HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable linear options stand out: the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Mountain Top. The HMX Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem design. They offer a tactile experience that many gamers and typists appreciate, allowing for immersive interactions with every stroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches cater specifically to office settings, providing a discreet yet still enjoyable typing experience. With a focus on quiet operation, these switches feature a comfortably light actuation, making them ideal for environments where silence is paramount, yet functionality remains essential. Choosing between the HMX Deep Navy's vibrant feedback and the Gateron Mountain Top's subtle efficiency ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. 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 Mountain Top switches, it's important to highlight that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material contributes to a consistent sound profile between the two switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively soft plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, characterized by a duller and rounder tone during typing. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience when using either switch, as the nylon material fundamentally influences the sound produced when keystrokes are made.
Despite the similarity in housing materials, the overall experience may still vary based on the specific design or assembly of each switch. Both the Deep Navy and Mountain Top utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing, which means that the acoustical properties of the switches should closely resemble one another. However, if one switch's design integrates the nylon differently or incorporates unique internal components, such as springs or switch stem designs, the tactile feedback and sound nuances could differ. Therefore, while the core materials promote similar properties, the experience could be influenced by other factors that affect how the nylon is utilized within each switch.
In essence, since both the Deep Navy and Mountain Top rely on nylon for both housing components, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound profile and key feel. The nylon material itself fosters a particular acoustic signature, enabling both switches to produce a richer typing experience. However, the specific configurations and additional elements associated with each switch may create subtle differences in the overall performance. Ultimately, while the nylon housing provides a foundation for a similar auditory experience, the subtleties of design might lead to a unique touchpoint in terms of tactile feedback and sound dynamics for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a consistent typing experience. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Deep Navy has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mountain Top's is slightly heavier at 50 grams. This means that while both switches share the same light actuation feel, the Gateron Mountain Top offers a more substantial bottoming out experience due to its higher bottom out force. Consequently, the HMX Deep Navy switch is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top might appeal to those looking for a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we see a noticeable difference. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feel during key presses, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial depth for their typing experience. Conversely, the Mountain Top, with its shorter 3.4 mm distance, offers quicker actuation, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking rapid response times. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for either the deeper feel of the Deep Navy or the more immediate response of the Mountain Top.
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 Mountain Top 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 profile, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a rich and sharp auditory experience, ensuring that every keystroke is distinctly pronounced. This full nylon construction contributes to a more vibrant acoustics, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate pronounced sounds from their typing. On the other hand, Gateron’s Mountain Top switches are designed with discreetness in mind, resulting in a balanced, neutral sound signature. They strike a moderate balance that caters well to both beginners and more experienced users, making them suitable for both home and office environments. Since sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choice, both switches can achieve desirable results depending on the specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch delivers smoothness with its specially designed Ly stem, which enhances the user’s typing experience. However, the specifics of this tactile sensation are less pronounced, giving users a seamless interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Mountain Top switches provide a bouncy feel that offers a spring-like feedback to each key press. This lively responsiveness, combined with their easy-to-press nature, fosters a comfortable typing atmosphere, perfect for extended sessions without significant finger fatigue. The other attributes, such as being mild, snappy, and subtle, indicate that these switches provide a versatile typing experience that emphasizes comfort and approachability, particularly in shared spaces.
In summary, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch hinges on your preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback. The Deep Navy will serve well for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience, while the Mountain Top caters to users who desire a more discreet, yet responsive feel. Both options emphasize distinct features, but each can offer satisfying typing experiences, tailored to different environments or personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it will largely depend on your specific typing needs and environments. If you’re someone who values sensory experience and prefers a switch that offers a bit more auditory feedback along with a silky smooth keystroke, the Deep Navy would be an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams may suit users looking for speed and ease during both gaming and extensive typing sessions. Conversely, if you find yourself working in an office environment or shared spaces where discretion is key, the Mountain Top switch is tailored for that purpose. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, it provides a perfectly balanced experience—offering a bouncy feel and a nearly silent typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. In essence, choose the Deep Navy for a rich acoustic experience and dynamic feedback, while opting for the Mountain Top if you need a quiet yet efficient typing solution that blends seamlessly into a professional setting.
Mentioned in this article
