HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Lupine both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Deep Navy stands out with its rich, sharp sound profile and full nylon construction, combined with a silky smooth Ly stem that promises delightful keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine delivers a satisfying typing experience thanks to its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a more powerful rebound for an engaging feel. While the Deep Navy is celebrated for its auditory experience and smooth functionality, the Lupine is favored for its balanced sound and refined mechanics. Ultimately, both switches present excellent options depending on whether you're seeking a rich acoustic experience or a polished, responsive typing feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Lupine utilize different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile of each switch. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing that is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound experience. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a sound that is muted and rounded. In contrast, the Lupine is built with a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, fostering a clearer resonance that can enhance the auditory experience, particularly advantageous in setups that utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. This distinct difference in materials creates unique acoustic characteristics that cater to users with varying preferences for typing sound.
However, both the Deep Navy and the Lupine share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both switches are equipped with nylon. This shared material means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will deliver a deep and fuller auditory experience. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound similarly for both switches, resulting in a consistent performance in this aspect. Thus, while the top housings create contrasting sound profiles, the bottom housings harmonize the overall sound experience, leading to similar results when typing down on either switch.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials crafts a nuanced interaction for users; the distinction in top housing leads to varied sound profiles while the complementing nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent, satisfying acoustic quality. This interplay between nylon and polycarbonate allows for an engaging typing experience where both switches can cater to the sensory preferences of users. For enthusiasts seeking the richness of sound, the Deep Navy may appeal, while those wanting crispness might favor the Lupine. Nonetheless, the shared nylon bottom housing in both ensures a familiarity in tactile response, drawing users towards either option based on their personal sound palette preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Lupine switch has an unspecified actuation force but a significantly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. This means that while the actuation force for the Lupine is unknown, it will require more force to fully depress compared to the Deep Navy switch. Consequently, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Lupine, while those seeking comfort during long periods of use should opt for the lighter Deep Navy switch. Thus, the Deep Navy is the lighter choice with its easier actuation and lower bottom out force, whereas the Lupine offers a heavier and potentially more pronounced feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference highlights a subtle yet notable variance in how each switch engages under pressure. For those who seek faster response times, the Deep Navy, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a preferable option, delivering more immediate actuation. On the other hand, the Lupine, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who favor a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, giving a deeper engagement that might appeal to those who find shorter distances too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference for response and depth, with the Deep Navy being the shorter option and the Lupine offering a slightly longer travel experience.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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
The sound profiles of the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Lupine linear switches present distinct experiences. The Deep Navy is noted for its rich and sharp sound, attributed to its full nylon construction which contributes to a deeper resonance with each keystroke. This sound can be immersive and satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a more profound auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Lupine switches exhibit a classic clacky sound profile, characterized as high-pitched and neutral, making them versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The sharper, crisper tones of the Lupine provide a different auditory experience, appealing to users who favor clarity over depth.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch offers a smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stem design, though details on its specific tactile feedback remain unavailable. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine is highlighted for its two-stage long springs, creating a unique typing dynamic where weight distribution feels consistent during key presses, while the rebound offers a more robust upward movement. The Lupine switches are described as mild and polished, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek, refined feel. This combination makes the Lupine exceptionally user-friendly, catering to both beginner and advanced typists.
In summary, while both the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Lupine linear switches deliver smooth typing experiences, their sound and feel characteristics create distinctly different atmospheres. The Deep Navy's rich and immersive auditory feedback contrasts with the Lupine's sharper clackiness, while the Lupine offers a unique spring mechanism that enhances the typing experience with consistent weight distribution and polished smoothness. Ultimately, individual preference will dictate which switch aligns best with a user's typing style and auditory desires, ensuring that both options provide enjoyable experiences in their own rights.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, and are drawn to a distinctly rich and sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy switch is likely your best bet. Its silky smoothness and full nylon construction make it ideal for those who appreciate both auditory and tactile feedback in their typing experience, especially if you value a switch that performs well across different environments. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that offers a more moderate actuation force of 62 grams, with a well-balanced sound and feel, the Durock Lupine may be the better choice. Its two-stage long springs provide a unique typing experience with consistent weight distribution and a mildly clacky sound profile, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. In essence, if your priority lies in a lightweight and smooth typing experience, opt for the Deep Navy; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced feedback with a polished feel and sound, the Durock Lupine would serve you well.
Mentioned in this article
