HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Mini i offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing needs. The Deep Navy, a linear switch renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes and rich sound profile, boasts a full nylon construction that enhances durability and sensation during each press. If you're an enthusiast who values a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience, this switch may be your ideal choice. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i, classified as a tactile switch, presents a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and a muted sound profile, making it a perfect option for those who work in quieter environments. Designed for extended typing sessions, its lightweight mechanism ensures comfort without sacrificing feedback—the hallmark of an efficient office-centric switch. Ultimately, while both switches serve unique purposes, they cater to different stylistic preferences and environments. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Mini i, it's evident that both switches utilize nylon for their construction. Both the top and bottom housings of these switches are made from this classic material, which lends itself to a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounded and muted auditory feedback regardless of the key press. Thus, users can expect a similarly pleasant acoustic experience when typing on both switches, making them well-suited for environments where noise reduction is desirable.
Despite the commonality in material, the relationship of housing composition to the overall typing feel and sound produced remains intriguing. The Deep Navy and Mini i may share identical materials, but the specific engineering and internal designs of each switch could still influence the final tactile experience. Although both switches utilize nylon, variances in other components such as springs or the design of the stem might result in different actuation forces or tactile feedback when pressed. This highlights that while the plastic itself contributes to sound absorption, nuanced differences in switch mechanics can still lead to distinct user experiences.
Ultimately, the equivalent use of nylon in both the Deep Navy and Mini i's top and bottom housings promises a comparable auditory quality during use. The material's properties will engender a similar feeling upon bottoming out—primarily due to the nylon's capacity to soften impact noise. Additionally, the sound profile when releasing a key will remain consistent across both switches, given the shared housing material. Therefore, while subtle variations might exist within the switch's designs, the fundamental character driven by their nylon housing ensures that both options deliver an appealing and muted sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it’s interesting to note their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 40 grams, allowing for a similar ease of keystroke initiation, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Deep Navy has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mini i reaches 50 grams at bottoming out. This difference means the Mini i requires slightly more effort to press down fully, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively light, the Deep Navy can be considered the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the HMX Deep Navy offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mini i measures slightly less at 3.4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch has a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you enjoy the deeper engagement of the Deep Navy or the snappier feedback of the Mini i switch.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, providing an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. Its full nylon construction contributes to a notable acoustic quality that many enthusiasts appreciate, adding a sense of depth to typing. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. This moderated sound ensures that while there is still audible feedback, it remains subtle enough not to disrupt a quiet office environment, making it appropriate for extended typing in shared spaces. The stark contrast between the two means that those who prefer a more pronounced sound might gravitate toward the Deep Navy, while those seeking a quieter experience will find the Mini i more suitable.
Regarding feel, the Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness due to the Ly stem, which creates a seamless typing experience without bumps or interruptions. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy the fluidity of linear switches. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is designed with a bouncy sensation, offering gentle resistance and a lively feedback that keeps typing both responsive and enjoyable. The easy-to-press nature minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions and adds to the overall comfort of using this switch. Its subtle tactile feedback allows users to enjoy a mild experience without overwhelming sensations, catering to those who prefer a more approachable feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch serve distinct typing preferences through their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Deep Navy excites with its sharp sound and buttery smoothness, the Mini i finds strength in its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it a great choice for quiet environments. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and fluidity or prefer a more subdued sound with a gentle tactile experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch should hinge on your specific typing needs and environment. If you appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a rich sound profile that adds character to each keystroke, the Deep Navy might be the perfect fit for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it ideal for fast-paced typing, particularly if you enjoy a more engaging experience or are a gamer who values speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you’re doing a lot of office work or typing in a shared space, the Gateron Mini i offers a more subdued audio profile with subtle tactile feedback, perfect for maintaining productivity without disturbing those around you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a "bouncy" and responsive feel that can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making them a thoughtful choice for anyone prioritizing comfort and professionalism. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prefer the engaging and lively characteristics of a linear switch like the Deep Navy or the tactile, muted responsiveness of the Mini i for a more discreet and comfortable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
