HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Magnetic Jade offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy switch, known for its rich and sharp sound profile, boasts a full nylon construction and features a Ly stem that provides a silky smooth feel with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switch offers a bright and clacky sound, ideal for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard with superior acoustics and responsiveness. While both switches excel in their respective domains—Deep Navy for its smooth operation and Magnetic Jade for its lively and engaging feedback—they serve different purposes for different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Magnetic Jade utilize different top housing materials that greatly influence their respective sound profiles. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and provide a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This is due to nylon's relatively softer plastic nature, which dampens vibrations and creates a rounder sound. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer properties enhance resonance and clarity, making the sound more pronounced. This distinction in materials leads to a clear contrast in how each switch responds in auditory feedback, serving distinct preferences for typists and gamers alike.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, which means they share some commonalities in their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both the Deep Navy and Magnetic Jade delivers a deeper, fuller sound characteristic that tends to absorb sound, mitigating higher-frequency vibrations during key presses. As a result, despite the differences in top housing materials affecting the auditory experience in their respective upper ranges, the two switches converge at their bottom housing to yield a similar sound profile during actuation. This shared nylon material enhances the depth of sound in both switches, allowing for a consistent typing feel that emphasizes a softer acoustic response lower in the sound spectrum.
The blending of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Magnetic Jade creates a multifaceted typing experience. While the Deep Navy’s nylon top leads to a muted acoustic response that is deep and stable, the Magnetic Jade’s polycarbonate top adds brightness and clarity to the sound. Conversely, because both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, users may appreciate a familiar depth and fullness when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in their tops. For users seeking a more balanced sound signature, this diversity in housing materials may result in the ideal fusion: the clarity of polycarbonate combined with the warmth of nylon, allowing for a unique auditory profile that can cater to multiple preferences in typing and gaming scenarios.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique typing experiences. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a less taxing experience for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade offers a slightly lighter actuation force at 30 grams, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This suggests that while the initial key press requires less force on the Magnetic Jade, it demands more effort when fully bottoming out. Therefore, for those preferring a more substantial typing feel, the Magnetic Jade may be suitable despite its lighter actuation. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter switch overall, while the Magnetic Jade, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to users looking for a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Magnetic Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches are relatively close in distance, with only a 0.1 mm difference, which may not be significant for many users. This proximity in travel distance suggests that the feel and feedback from each switch could be quite similar, appealing to both gamers and typists alike. However, for those seeking a quicker response time, the Magnetic Jade might be the optimal choice due to its slightly shallower travel distance, while users who prefer a more substantial key press might lean towards the Deep Navy. Overall, individual preferences will ultimately dictate which switch is more suitable.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich, sharp sound profile that can elevate the acoustic experience during typing. Its full nylon construction contributes to a well-rounded auditory quality that enhances the overall typing dynamics. On the other hand, Gateron Magnetic Jade switches produce a bright and clacky sound, noted for their distinct acoustic properties that resonate well and make typing feel more engaging. While both switches have their individual sound characteristics, it’s important to consider that overall sound perception can vary based on the keyboard's build and the keycaps used, potentially leading to some similarities in the resulting auditory profile.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is renowned for delivering an exceptionally silky smoothness with each keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile experience that promotes ease of use and comfort during prolonged typing sessions. The Magnetic Jade switch, although described differently, is also designed to enhance the typing experience significantly, likely delivering an engaging tactile feedback that caters to users looking for a responsive feel. Both switches have qualities that can cater to users focused on a comfortable typing experience, fostering similar satisfaction in terms of tactile reception.
Ultimately, both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch cater to distinct preferences while offering unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy appeals to users who prioritize sound quality and smoothness in feel, while the Magnetic Jade targets those seeking a bright, clacky sound with potentially engaging tactile feedback. The choice between these switches will largely come down to individual priorities in sound and feel, but both are capable of providing enjoyable typing experiences within their respective qualities, ensuring a satisfying outcome for users regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the acoustic environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a light touch with a smooth keystroke and a richer, more immersive sound profile, the Deep Navy switch may be your best bet. Its 45 gram bottom-out force allows for a quick response, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate seamless, effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier switch that provides a bright, clacky sound and a satisfying tactile feedback, the Magnetic Jade is more suitable. With its 55 grams of bottom-out force and optimized acoustic properties, it provides a punchy, dynamic typing experience perfect for those who enjoy a little extra resistance while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother experience with the Deep Navy or a firmer and more acoustically vibrant feel with the Magnetic Jade.
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