HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Lunar Probe

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Lunar Probe stand out as excellent linear options, each delivering a unique typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback and a luxurious feel with each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe impresses with its innovative dual rail mechanism that ensures stable, consistent keypresses, combined with a pre-lubed linear sensation that offers a subtle sound signature. While the Deep Navy appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience, the Lunar Probe is perfect for users seeking smooth responsiveness with a quieter performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe in terms of their housing materials, we see a distinct difference in the top housing. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which brings about a sharper, crisper sound profile. The clear nature of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal when combined with RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside sound.

However, when we examine the bottom housing of both switches, we find that they share a common material: nylon. Both the Deep Navy and Lunar Probe employ nylon in their bottom housing, which yields a similar auditory result—a deeper and fuller sound. This uniformity in bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the variation in top housing, users will experience a consistent sound profile associated with the nylon material during key presses. The softer nature of the nylon in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, contributing to the rounded auditory experience that users might expect from either switch.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials means that the overall sound experience will be influenced separately by each switch's design. While the Deep Navy's nylon top produces a muted sound, the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top delivers a sharper sound. Yet, since both switches feature nylon bottoms, they will exhibit similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while the top housings contribute differently to the auditory profile, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a degree of sound consistency, especially during key presses. This dual-material construction allows enthusiasts to tailor their switch choice based on personal preference while maintaining certain acoustic properties.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Lunar Probe's 45 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Deep Navy is 45 grams, while the Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch may lean toward the HMX Deep Navy, while those who appreciate a firmer feel might opt for the Gateron Lunar Probe.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equivalent in this aspect. As a result, users can expect similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. With both switches featuring the same travel distance, they will deliver comparable performance in terms of key actuation, resulting in a consistent typing or gaming experience across both options. This alignment in specifications means that whether one chooses the Deep Navy or the Lunar Probe, the finger travel required to activate the switch remains unchanged.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by a rich, sharp auditory experience that emanates from its full nylon construction, providing a pronounced acoustic feedback with each keystroke. This distinctive sound can lend a certain depth to typing, enhancing the overall experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch features a subtle sound signature, largely due to its pre-lubed mechanism that aims for a quieter operation. The dual rail mechanism ensures stability and consistency in keypresses, which may result in a more muted, yet pleasant auditory cue during typing. It's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can significantly depend on other factors, such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.

In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness on every keystroke, thanks to the innovative Ly stem design, which contributes to an exceptionally delightful typing experience. This smoothness can enhance the fluidity of typing, making it feel effortless. Conversely, the Lunar Probe switch offers an incredibly smooth and enjoyable linear sensation, bolstered by Gateron's pre-lubed mechanism which aims to provide a consistently satisfying tactile feedback. While both switches assert their smoothness, the specifics of that sensation may vary slightly, catering to different typing preferences.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches have unique sound and feel characteristics that may appeal to different users. The Deep Navy's rich, sharp sound and silky smooth keystrokes provide a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, while the Lunar Probe's subtle sound and incredibly smooth operation cater to those seeking a quieter yet still satisfying performance. Ultimately, whether you gravitate toward the immersive qualities of the Deep Navy or the refined experience of the Lunar Probe, you'll find satisfaction with either choice, as both switches are designed to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you appreciate a rich, sharp sound profile combined with a silky smooth keystroke, then the Deep Navy switch, with its light 45-gram actuation force and full nylon construction, would likely be your ideal option. It offers an immersive auditory experience and is perfect for those who enjoy a distinctive sound while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams paired with outstanding stability and consistency, the Gateron Lunar Probe is the right choice for you. Its pre-lubed linear sensation and gentle sound signature provide a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize both comfort and performance over the auditory aspect. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects matter most in your typing experience, whether it's the satisfying acoustics of the Deep Navy or the smooth and stable feel of the Lunar Probe.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more