HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Lotus both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, crafted from full nylon, which contributes to a satisfying auditory experience with each press. Its Ly stem provides a silky smoothness that many typists and gamers appreciate for its seamless tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy sensation, making every keystroke feel lively and engaging. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinct acoustic properties and tactile experiences may appeal to varied users—those who prioritize sound and smoothness may lean toward the Deep Navy, whereas those who crave a delightful bounciness might prefer the Lotus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and HMX Lotus both feature nylon top and bottom housings, suggesting they share similar sound profiles and tactile experiences. Nylon is known for its properties as a softer plastic, which contributes to a distinctively deeper and fuller sound when typing. This shared material allows both models to produce a rounder and duller auditory experience due to the inherent sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. Since both keyboards employ nylon throughout their construction, users can expect a comparable level of acoustic performance, resulting in a satisfying typing experience characterized by muted keystrokes and enhanced depth.
While the top and bottom housings of both models are made from the same material, the ergonomics and tactile feedback may still differ. The nuances of a keypress are influenced by the housing design rather than the material alone. For instance, the bottom housing chiefly affects the bottom-out feel and sound upon keystroke completion, whereas the top housing's influence is more pronounced during the key release. Thus, even though the materials across both models are identical, the housing design and engineering could lead to variations in the tactile sensation during typing, catering to different user preferences.
Ultimately, the alignment of materials in the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Lotus ensures a baseline similarity in sound quality and tactile response due to the use of nylon. However, users may discover that the specific shift in design or the detailing of each model lends itself to unique experiences during use. This makes both models suitable for users who appreciate nylon's acoustic properties while also offering distinct characteristics in feel and response, reinforcing the notion that even with similar materials, the final experience can vary based on design choices.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, yet they differ in their specifics. The Deep Navy switch requires an actuation force of 40 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter overall. In contrast, the Lotus switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as heavier than the Deep Navy. This difference in actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Lotus switch may offer a more substantial feel for those who favor a stronger push. Both switches are designed to deliver responsive feedback, but users seeking a softer response should opt for the Deep Navy, whereas those wanting a firmer typing experience might gravitate toward the Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus measures at 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minor, but it leads to distinct tactile experiences. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus may cater well to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, improving the overall typing or gaming efficiency. On the other hand, the Deep Navy's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for users who prefer a greater depth in their switch feel. Thus, individuals who appreciate a hearty depth may lean towards the Deep Navy, while those who value responsiveness might choose the Lotus for its expedited actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch is recognized for its rich and sharp audio profile, which is crafted with a complete nylon construction. This combination creates a deep resonance that enhances the auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch features a bright and resonant sound, which, combined with its medium weight of 50g for bottoming out, delivers a more lively auditory feedback. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, and the overall acoustic experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, making the personal setup an important consideration for users.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, a quality that delivers a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. Alternatively, the Lotus switch offers a super bouncy feeling, which adds a playful dynamic to each keystroke and encourages a lively interaction with your keyboard. While both switches fall into the linear category, the subtle differences in their tactile feedback will appeal differently to users, with Deep Navy feeling more fluid and Lotus offering a springier rebound.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Lotus linear switches showcase unique auditory and tactile qualities that can cater to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy provides a rich, sharp sound and silky smooth strokes, while the Lotus impresses with its bright resonance and bouncy feel. Depending on what characteristics you value most in your typing experience, either switch can bring about a satisfying result, though the subtle distinctions could influence your ultimate choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, your preferences for sound and feel will be key factors. If you prioritize a smooth, silky typing experience complemented by a rich and sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy is the ideal choice for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it especially suitable for rapid typing and gaming, allowing for quick key presses without much effort. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly more tactile sensation with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus might be your best bet. The medium weight of 50 grams provides a pleasingly bouncy feedback that balances speed with a bit more resistance, making it a great option for both typing and general use. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother experience with a pronounced sound, or a slightly firmer feel that enhances the engagement with each keystroke.
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