HMX Deep Navy vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two strong contenders to consider are the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The HMX Deep Navy, known for its creamy and clacky sound profile, offers a smooth and seamless typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, making it a great choice for those who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) shines with its pronounced tactile feedback; the strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke bump deliver a hypertactile sensation that brings a satisfying punch to each keystroke. This switch, crafted from a unique blend of PBT housing, is perfect for typists who enjoy a more tactile and resonant sound. While the Deep Navy caters to those seeking smoothness and auditory richness, the Moyu Black appeals to users looking for an impactful typing experience with strong tactile cues. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns perfectly with your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, with the Deep Navy utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Moyu Black employs PBT for both. Nylon is frequently praised for its ability to create a fuller and deeper sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder counterparts. This results in a generally rounder and more subdued acoustics, which can enhance the typing experience by providing a softer auditory feedback. In contrast, the Moyu Black's PBT housing contributes to a more neutral sound profile. Although PBT does not produce the same level of richness as nylon, its balanced characteristics ensure that the sound is neither overly crisp nor entirely dull.
When examining the bottom housings, the effects of the materials become more pronounced. The nylon bottom housing of the Deep Navy still captures that fuller sound profile, giving a satisfying bottom-out experience. In essence, the softness of the nylon allows it to absorb impact in a way that PBT does not. On the other hand, the Moyu Black’s PBT bottom housing has a more neutral quality, which means the tactile feedback is consistent and stable. Thus, when typing on the Moyu Black, users may notice that while the experience is solid and controlled, it lacks the pronounced deeper sounds that can be found with the Deep Navy.
Overall, the choice of housing materials leads to distinct experiences with each switch's auditory feedback. Users seeking the richer, softer sound experience may prefer the HMX Deep Navy, particularly for typing scenarios where a deeper sound is favorable. Conversely, those who appreciate a more neutral auditory perspective would find the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) more aligned with their preferences. However, it is essential to remember that while the compositions differ, enthusiasts can attain similar results by considering how each housing contributes to the overall acoustics and feel during use. Despite their different material affinities, both switches are ultimately capable of delivering satisfying typing experiences influenced by their contrasting attributes.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch present a clear contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a considerably higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This more substantial resistance caters to those who favor a stronger push feel while typing, providing a more tactile experience. Consequently, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, while the Moyu Black is the heavier switch, appealing to users who seek a firmer key press. Thus, users’ preferences will largely depend on whether they lean toward a lighter, more effortless keystroke or a weightier, more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, we observe a measurable difference. The Deep Navy switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Consequently, the Deep Navy switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who prefer quicker actuation. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch, with its elongated travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users find appealing for a more deliberate input. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: if you prefer a responsive and snappy action, the shorter Deep Navy may be more suitable, while those who enjoy a deeper and more tactile response might favor the Moyu Black (Dark Jade).
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its clacky profile, delivering a crisp and bright auditory feedback that resonates with a sharpness reminiscent of a percussive instrument. This creates an engaging typing experience where each keystroke feels distinct and pronounced. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a resonant sound that combines clean and sharp tones, producing a higher-pitched auditory experience. The snappy sounds associated with both switches contribute to a lively typing atmosphere, though their auditory signatures differ—Deep Navy leans more into a clackiness while Moyu Black emphasizes resonance.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch provides an exceptionally creamy and feathery typing experience. Its smoothness, likely enhanced by factory lubrication, gives a sensation akin to gliding your fingers across the keys, resulting in effortless keystrokes that reduce finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a prominent tactile bump that is described as both sharp and accented. This switch offers a medium tactile response, ensuring users feel a satisfying feedback with every key press. The sharper tactile sensation presents a more pronounced connection between the actuation and the user's touch, creating a distinctly impactful typing feel.
Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer compelling auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Deep Navy prioritizes a smooth and engaging sound and feel, the Moyu Black emphasizes tactile feedback and sharp auditory responses. Depending on your priority—whether it's a creamy, clacky sound or a sharper, resonant feedback—each switch presents its unique advantages. If you're looking for a combination of these qualities, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different sensory benefits.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and the types of tasks you'll be engaging in. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force and crave a smooth, creamy typing experience for gaming or extended typing sessions, the Deep Navy is the perfect choice for you. Its clacky sound profile adds a vibrant touch to every keystroke, making it enjoyable for casual use and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and engaging typing experience, with a pronounced bump and a medium-heavy feel, you should opt for the Moyu Black (Dark Jade). These switches will give you that satisfying feedback with each press, perfect for those who type with purpose and prefer a sharper acoustic signature. In the end, whether you gravitate towards the silky smoothness of the Deep Navy or the hyper-tactility of the Moyu Black, both switches offer unique experiences that can tailor to the demands of your typing style.
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