HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) present two appealing yet distinct options for enthusiasts. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and silky smooth Ly stem, which promises an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is known as a classic budget switch, offering a low, "thocky" sound with a satisfyingly thick resistance, making it an excellent all-purpose choice for both gaming and typing. While the Deep Navy prioritizes a premium feel with its unique audio characteristics, the Milky Yellow delights users with its smoothness and affordability, appealing to those looking to enhance their setup without breaking the bank. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
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
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
Nylon
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), we find interesting similarities that contribute to their performance. Both switches feature nylon as their primary housing material, with nylon being heralded for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic characteristics, enabling it to absorb sound better than harder plastics. As a result, both switch types can provide a similar auditory experience, creating a duller and rounder sound during typing. This shared composition helps unify the tactile and acoustic feedback experienced by users, further bridging the gap between these two offerings.
In terms of structural design, both the Deep Navy and the Milky Yellow Pro utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This means that the sound profile generated is consistent throughout, with the switch's performance being influenced equally by both the top and bottom sections. Although the characteristics of the nylon material contribute universally to sound dampening, the interplay between the top and bottom housing is essential. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable upon bottoming out the keys, while the top housing significantly affects the acoustic signature when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their similarities, each switch may still provide a slightly different overall experience based on how the user interacts with the two housings during typing.
While both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share the same material for their housings, the subjective experience can diverge based on nuances in their physical design or internal mechanisms. Each switch's engineering may introduce varying levels of actuation force, travel distance, or spring tension that can alter the overall feel and responsiveness, even if the material qualities align closely. However, because both switches are constructed from nylon, users can anticipate a similar auditory experience regardless of these differences. As a result, those seeking a specific typing sound and feel may find that either switch meets their preferences to a significant extent, providing a harmonious balance of performance characteristics inherent to nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch with the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good option for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. The differences in these weights highlight the Deep Navy as the lighter option and the Milky Yellow Pro as the heavier one. This distinction is crucial, as individuals who favor lighter switches may find the Deep Navy conducive to longer typing sessions, while those seeking a firmer push will likely prefer the Milky Yellow Pro for its sturdier resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the differences are notable. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a more responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers who favor quicker actuation and shorter travel for enhanced response times. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial depression, providing a feeling of depth that some typists prefer. Therefore, the Deep Navy switch is the shorter option, while the Milky Yellow Pro is the longer one, catering to different user preferences based on their desired typing 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 its rich, sharp tones, elevating the auditory experience with each keystroke. This full nylon construction contributes to its unique sound quality, although the specific characteristics of its sound remain undefined in this context. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is renowned for its low, "thocky" auditory experience, which blends a bassy and low-pitched resonance with every press. Users appreciate the deep, satisfying sound that resembles a soft thud, making it an appealing choice for both gaming and typing. The sound produced by any switch, however, can vary based on other factors such as the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps, so individual experiences may differ.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switches offer a silky smooth experience with each keystroke due to the Ly stem. This seamlessness is highly desirable, promoting an effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a buttery feel while maintaining its textured nature. Users can expect a smooth, fluid transition with each press, although some may perceive a subtle textural friction that can enhance the tactile feedback. This combination of buttery smoothness and slight texture enables users to enjoy a consistent typing experience while also catering to personal preferences regarding keypress sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches exhibit their own distinct sound and feel characteristics, catering to different user preferences. The Deep Navy's rich auditory profile and smooth keystrokes offer a luxurious typing experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro showcases a thocky sound and buttery feel ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a reliable all-rounder. Ultimately, while each switch offers unique qualities, those who opt for either can expect to enjoy a satisfying typing experience that aligns with their personal preferences when considering sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for feel, sound, and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light touch and are drawn to the rich, enticing sound profile that the Deep Navy offers, you're likely to enjoy the experience it provides during both typing and gaming. Its smooth keystrokes allow for rapid inputs, making it an excellent choice if you often find yourself in intensive gaming sessions or if you simply value a luxurious typing sensation. On the other hand, if you're looking for a solid all-around switch that provides a satisfying resistance with a deeper, "thocky" sound, then the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) may be the better fit. This switch's medium bottom-out force is ideal for those who favor a bit more tactile feedback without compromising on smoothness, making it a versatile option for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision will revolve around whether you desire a lighter, richer experience or a more balanced switch that combines budget-friendliness with performance.
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