HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating between various options, such as the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch. The Deep Navy stands out with its rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and the silky smoothness of the Ly stem, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience while still enjoying a satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic redefines the clicky category by combining modern advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, delivering an invigorating and resonant click without sacrificing the smoothness that typists desire. Choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preferences—whether one seeks the velvety silence and fluidity of the Deep Navy or the engaging tactile feedback and nostalgic auditory cues provided by the Melodic. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Melodic switches, one cannot overlook the distinct properties of their top housings. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is known for absorbing sound due to its softer plastic properties. This absorption contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making for a typing experience that feels warm and rounded. Conversely, the Melodic employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material and, as a result, enhances resonance and clarity, often appreciated by users preferring a brighter auditory experience. The different tactile feedback and sound profiles from these materials indicate that users looking for richness and depth may favor the Deep Navy, while those seeking brightness and clarity may prefer the Melodic.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Melodic incorporate nylon, which lends a consistent quality to the overall typing experience. Since both switches have nylon bottom housings, they share similarities in sound and feel at the bottom out. As noted, the inherent softness of nylon contributes to that deeper and fuller auditory feedback, thereby ensuring that the typing experience is cohesive in terms of sound profile when bottoming out. This commonality suggests that, despite differences in sound at the top due to housing materials, both switches deliver an enveloping vibe at the moment of key activation.
The contrasting materials used in the top housings, combined with their shared nylon bottoms, manifest unique aural characteristics for both switches. The Deep Navy, with its all-nylon configuration in the bottom housing, provides a depth attractive to those who prefer a rounded approach to sound. Meanwhile, the Melodic's polycarbonate top offers a scintillating auditory experience during key release, ideal for users who favor clarity and brightness with their typing sounds. Ultimately, these varied auditory outcomes showcase how different housing materials can influence a switch's overall typing experience, leading to either a unified sound or a nuanced interplay of acoustics and tactile feedback, depending on the user's preference for sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it’s clear that they cater to different preferences regarding weight and feel. The Deep Navy has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This heavier bottom out can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer keypress. As a result, the Deep Navy is the lighter option overall, while the Gateron Melodic is heavier, making these two switches quite different in terms of tactile feedback and user experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we find a notable difference. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Melodic boasts a 4 mm travel distance. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming. On the other hand, the Melodic, with its longer travel distance, may cater to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches can significantly affect your typing or gaming satisfaction, depending on whether you lean towards a quick, abbreviated keystroke or a more substantial and deliberate engagement.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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, deep tone that delivers a fulfilling auditory experience, although specific descriptors aren't provided. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a distinctly resonant and higher-pitched sound, creating a clean and sharp auditory presence akin to stepping on crisp autumn leaves, producing both a crunchy and immersive effect. When using either switch, it's important to note that factors like your choice of keyboard and keycap materials can influence the overall sound; however, the Deep Navy’s deep richness contrasts with the Melodic’s peak-clicky brightness, providing a significant difference in auditory experience.
When considering feel, the HMX Deep Navy is renowned for its silky smoothness during keystrokes, which is a hallmark of linear switches, creating an unobstructed typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic features a buttery feel that is complemented by invigorating feedback. This switch strikes a balance between smoothness and tactile response, with a moderate to firm actuation force that enhances the typing experience through a snappier, more reactive sensation. Here, while the Deep Navy embodies a seamless glide, the Melodic adds an expressive feedback that can make typing more engaging.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provide unique qualities suited to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy excels in delivering a deep, immersive sound alongside a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prefer linear switches. Conversely, the Melodic combines a higher-pitched, resonant sound with an invigorating tactile response, catering to fans of clicky switches who desire feedback and character in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory richness and smoothness or pronounced feedback and engagement in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter keystroke with a smooth and silent typing experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent option. Its rich sound profile and silky smoothness make it ideal for long typing sessions, programming, or any task where you value speed and quietness over auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and auditory engagement with a moderate actuation force, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch would be more suitable for you. It not only delivers a satisfying click sound, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves, but also offers a pleasantly buttery and invigorating feel that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you lean towards a tranquil linear feel or a resonant and tactile clicky sensation, both switches cater to distinct needs, allowing you to select the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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