HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and desired tactile experience. The HMX Deep Navy switches, known for their rich and sharp sound profile, feature a full nylon construction that delivers a silky smooth keystroke experience thanks to their Ly stem. This switch is a favored option for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a premium build. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches stand out for their innovative design, combining a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offering a unique typing feel that caters to users seeking a distinctive switch character. Both switches provide a linear feel, making them appealing for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Mars both utilize nylon for their top housing, resulting in similar auditory experiences when typing. Nylon, known for its classic properties in switch design, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This characteristic helps in sound absorption, allowing for a more muted and rounded sound upon key presses. As a result, users of both switches can anticipate a typing experience that is pleasant and smooth, with each keystroke resonating in a rich, satisfying manner. The shared use of nylon in the top housing means that both switches will exhibit similar aural qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Mars diverge in material, with the Deep Navy featuring a nylon bottom and the Gateron Mars utilizing POM. The nylon bottom housing of the Deep Navy shares the same characteristics as the top, offering a consistent sound profile and contributing to the harmonious feel of the switch. However, the POM bottom housing of the Mars introduces a unique tonal quality, praised for its deeper and more muted acoustics. While the Deep Navy may provide a more unified sound experience due to its identical materials, the Gateron Mars presents a distinctive sound profile thanks to the interplay between nylon and POM in its construction.
The differences in bottom housing materials affect the overall feel and sound profile when typing on these switches. The nylon bottom of the HMX Deep Navy will contribute more uniformly to the sound, while the POM bottom of the Gateron Mars will impact the bottom-out feel and sound differently. Users of both switches will appreciate their respective tonal qualities; however, the Deep Navy may feel more cohesive in its auditory feedback due to the consistent use of nylon. Conversely, the Gateron Mars presents a compelling option for those seeking variety in key press feedback and sound through the influence of different materials at play in both the top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the user experience, while rooted in some similarities, will hinge on the specific material properties of the bottom housing in each switch pair.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Mars requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. However, the bottom out force of the Mars switch remains unknown, making it difficult to compare this particular aspect directly. With the Deep Navy having a bottom out force of 45 grams, users can be assured that it feels consistent throughout its range of motion. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter option, the Deep Navy is your best bet, while the Mars leans towards a heavier force preference.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress distance when actuating either switch. This equivalence allows for a consistent typing experience, as the feel and responsiveness during use will be comparable. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke feedback and overall performance.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp quality, thanks to its full nylon construction. This design produces a deeper tonal resonance that many users find pleasing, contributing an immersive auditory experience. The Gateron Mars linear switch, however, combines a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which results in a distinct sound signature that may lean towards a slightly higher pitch. While both switches offer linear actuation, the sound they produce can vary significantly, heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch boasts a silky smooth keystroke courtesy of its Ly stem, making each press feel effortless and fluid, which can enhance typing speed and reduce fatigue during long sessions. The Gateron Mars switch's unique design aims to offer a similarly smooth experience, but specific tactile characteristics may vary due to its POK stem. Users might find that the overall sensation of pressing the key differs slightly, lending itself to personal preference in choice.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Mars linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Deep Navy emphasizes a rich sound with silky smoothness in its feel, the Mars introduces a different tonal quality and texture that may appeal to users seeking something unique. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, though their specific characteristics warrant consideration based on individual taste and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth typing experience paired with a pronounced sound profile, the Deep Navy, with its 45-gram bottom-out force and full nylon construction, would likely suit you well. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback and a silky keystroke. However, if you are looking for something that might offer a unique design and blend of materials, you might prefer the Gateron Mars switch. Though its bottom-out force is not specified, it is known for its innovative POK stem and a blend of nylon and POM, which could provide a different tactile experience. If sound isn’t a major factor for you, and you lean towards something that might provide a balance between performance and innovation, the Mars could be your go-to choice. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience, and let that guide your decision between these two intriguing switches.
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