HMX Deep Navy vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options to find the perfect fit for their typing style and preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out for its full nylon construction and a rich sound profile that offers a smooth, satisfying keystroke experience through its Ly stem design. Ideal for users seeking a tactile yet quiet typing experience, the Deep Navy switch evokes a sense of immersion that can enhance productivity. On the other hand, Cherry MX Black switches are renowned for their classic texture and durability, enhanced with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling that provides a familiar deep sound characteristic and a notably stiff actuation. This makes them a popular choice for gamers and typists who prefer a firmer feel under their fingers, allowing for precise control and minimal accidental keystrokes. Both switches have their unique advantages, depending on whether you prioritize sound profile and smoothness with the Deep Navy, or firmness and classic reliability with the MX Black. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry MX Black, it's readily apparent that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon, a classic material in switch construction, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is essential for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing. Both switches leverage the softer properties of nylon to absorb sound effectively. This results in a duller and rounder acoustic signature, making both the Deep Navy and Cherry MX Black similar in terms of the sound experience they offer, thus appealing to typists who enjoy a quieter yet rich sound environment.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the specific impact of the nylon components can vary based on their configuration as top and bottom housings. In both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Black switches, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, while the top housing predominantly influences the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while both switches produce a similar auditory experience due to their use of nylon, the nuanced differences in feel and feedback can arise from how each switch is designed and how the housings interact during use.
Ultimately, the shared use of nylon presents an opportunity to achieve comparable results in sound and durability across both switches. Users can expect a consistent typing experience characterized by a smooth and subdued sound profile. However, the distinct ergonomics and key action might lead to variations in tactile feedback, allowing for personalized preferences depending on individual typing styles. Thus, while the key material remains the same, other design elements and mechanisms within each switch contribute to a unique overall experience that typists may gravitate toward based on their specific needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a clear distinction in weight. The HMX Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended gaming sessions or long work hours. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. This difference suggests that the Deep Navy can offer a more comfortable experience for extended use, while the MX Black may appeal to individuals seeking a firmer resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for switch weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which boasts a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference may impact the overall feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation might gravitate towards the Deep Navy switch, given its 3.6 mm distance, which can provide a more immediate response. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and hearty depth, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. Thus, while the shorter Deep Navy switch can cater to gamers seeking speed, the longer Cherry MX Black may be favored by typists who appreciate greater travel for a more satisfying 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction. This full-bodied sound adds a distinctive character to typing that many users may find satisfying. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch produces a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, creating an experience that is more muted and less sharp than the Deep Navy's sound. Both switches demonstrate that while their sound profiles differ, the ultimate acoustics can also be influenced by various external factors such as the keyboard board and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch offers a silky smooth experience with every keystroke, ensuring a consistent and effortless typing motion that many enthusiasts appreciate. The Cherry MX Black switch, however, is characterized by a textured and stiff feel. The noticeable friction when pressing down makes it distinct and can be a polarizing factor for users; some may prefer the intentional texture and resistance, while others could find it less desirable. The additional effort required to actuate MX Blacks adds to their unique tactile experience, which contrasts sharply with the effortless glide of the Deep Navy.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Black switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Deep Navy offers a sharper, fuller auditory experience coupled with a smooth typing action, while the MX Black delivers a deeper, more subdued sound along with a textured and stiffer feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal tastes and typing style, knowing that each provides a distinct experience that aligns with varying user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Black linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter switch that requires less force and provides a smoother, more effortless keystroke, the HMX Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Its construction leads to a rich, sharp sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or games that demand quick reflexes. On the other hand, if you're looking for greater resistance with a stiffer feel, the Cherry MX Black is the way to go. Its heavier actuation force and textured feedback might provide the tactile satisfaction some users crave, especially if you type with more force or if you want to avoid accidentally pressing keys. In terms of sound, the deeper, mellow tone of the MX Black will appeal to those who enjoy a lower-pitched auditory experience, while the sharper tones of the Deep Navy can invigorate your typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal style and keyboard usage, allowing you to find the perfect switch that aligns with your needs.
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