HMX Deep Navy vs. Dareu Master

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Master, both linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy impresses with its full nylon construction, delivering a unique rich and sharp sound profile that enhances the tactile experience, while its Ly stem ensures a notably smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch features a polished feel due to its all-POM construction, striking a medium weight that results in a classic clacky sound signature that many users find satisfying. While both switches offer exceptional smoothness, the Deep Navy leans towards an immersive auditory experience, while the Master provides a more traditional linear feel with a distinct auditory feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Dareu Master Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Master both feature distinct top housing materials—nylon for the Deep Navy and POM for the Master. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile when typing. This softness aids in absorbing sound, leading to a more muted acoustic feedback, while POM's construction also produces a pleasingly muted tone yet characterized by its unique sound qualities. The distinction in materials suggests that while both keyboards may offer similarly deep sound profiles, the specific acoustic nuances would differ, with nylon potentially yielding a more softened auditory experience compared to the unique timbre of POM.

In terms of their bottom housing, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Master utilize nylon and POM, respectively. As with the top housing, the differences in materials affect the overall typing experience. Nylon's softness helps dampen sound and creates a fuller bottom-out feel, whereas POM contributes its own unique sound characteristics, leading to variability in the bottoming-out experiences. Each material's distinct properties interact differently under pressure, meaning that while both options deliver a satisfying typing sound, the tactile response and auditory feedback will likely diverge based on the bottom housing material utilized.

Despite these differences in housing materials, both keyboards can achieve a similar range of sound profiles and upon tactile feedback. Users can expect a deep and somewhat muted sound when typing on either switch, thanks to the inherent qualities of nylon and POM. While the HMX Deep Navy may offer a more traditional softened sound experience, the Dareu Master’s POM material provides a uniquely rich sonic profile, ensuring that regardless of housing differences, both keyboards excel in delivering an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, those looking for muted auditory feedback and quality feel can find satisfaction with either choice, albeit with different acoustic signatures and tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch with the Dareu Master linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more forgiving choice for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it alleviates finger fatigue. In contrast, the Dareu Master has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. Notably, the bottom out force for the Master is currently unknown, which leaves some uncertainty in its overall performance. Thus, for users seeking lighter switches, the HMX Deep Navy is the clear choice, while those who favor heftier feedback might gravitate toward the Dareu Master, contingent on its bottom out performance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the Deep Navy has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Master features a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This difference may have practical implications for users; those who favor quicker response times could lean toward the Dareu Master, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Conversely, users who prefer a more robust typing experience with a deeper keypress might find the HMX Deep Navy more appealing due to its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch presents a rich and sharp auditory profile that enhances the overall typing experience, courtesy of its full nylon construction. While specific auditory descriptors are not provided, the assumption is that the sound signature is muted and refined, which is typical for linear switches that favor smooth operation over auditory feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch produces a classic clacky sound, characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, which can evoke a more engaging typing experience for users who appreciate audible feedback. This inherent clackiness offers a stark contrast to the Deep Navy's potentially quieter demeanor, catering to different user preferences for sound during typing.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness, ensuring a satisfying keypress without any tactile bumps or resistance. This focus on a seamless experience lends itself well to prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch is described as having a mild character, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel that is likely suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Master switch's polished nature implies a smooth key travel experience, resulting from high-quality materials or effective factory lubricating processes. While the Deep Navy emphasizes smoothness, the Master balance’s work between smoothness and a mild tactile experience broadens its appeal.

In summary, while both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy leans towards a quieter and richer sound profile along with its silky feel, ideally suited for users who prefer linear performance without much auditory distraction. Conversely, the Dareu Master appeals to those who enjoy a clakkier and sharper auditory feedback, while also delivering a gentle yet polished tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as each offers distinct qualities that can cater to different typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experiences. If you prioritize light key presses, enjoy a smooth and refined keystroke, and appreciate a rich sound profile, the Deep Navy switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force is less taxing on your fingers, making it suitable for extensive typing sessions while delivering a tactile yet fluid experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced weight with a classic clacky sound signature that offers both smoothness and a touch of character, the Dareu Master switch is the way to go. Its medium-weight operation and mild feel provide a comfortable typing experience that will appeal to a wider range of users while still giving you that sharp auditory feedback that comes with clacky switches. In summary, assess your typing style, sound preference, and the overall tactile experience you desire, and you’ll find the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Master Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more