HMX Deep Navy vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry MX Orange 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 Cherry MX Orange offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and the silky smoothness provided by its Ly stem, all crafted from durable nylon. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile typing experience and might even enjoy the auditory feedback that can enhance their overall engagement with the keyboard. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, which have been revived with MX2A generation enhancements, provide an excellent balance of smoothness and responsiveness suitable for both gaming and typing. While their reputation is rooted in nostalgia, they also meet modern expectations for performance, making them a great choice for enthusiasts of the original designs. Both switches, though linear, present different sensory experiences and functional advantages, depending on what you prioritize. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry MX Orange switches are strikingly similar, both featuring nylon as a primary component for the top and bottom housings. Nylon is renowned for its ability to produce a rich, fuller sound profile while typing, and both switches capitalize on this characteristic. This is due to nylon's relatively soft nature, which enables it to absorb sound better than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a deeper and more resonant auditory experience when utilizing either switch, ensuring a pleasant typing feel that is inherently consistent across both models.
Breaking down the specific components, the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which contributes to their shared sound profile. Since both switches incorporate the same material, they inherently exhibit similar qualities, leading to a duller and rounder sound when pressed. This similarity means that whether one is using the Deep Navy or the MX Orange, the typing experience will remain relatively consistent, with the characteristics of the nylon consistently influencing how the switches feel and sound during use. Therefore, if a user prefers one model over the other, they can anticipate a comparable auditory and tactile experience overall.
However, while the materials are the same, the overall experience may still vary based on how each switch is engineered in terms of actuation force and travel distance. Although the nylon components will lead to similar auditory and tactile outcomes, variations in other aspects of the switches can influence how they feel under the fingers during different stages of a key press. This means that while the sound character between the switches aligns, subtle differences in feel—particularly related to the dynamics of bottoming out due to engineering choices—could result in distinct user experiences. Therefore, while both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Orange may utilize the same nylon materials for their housings, the overall sensation of typing could offer nuances that set them apart.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, distinct differences in actuation force highlight their varied user experiences. The Deep Navy switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which makes it a lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, providing a heftier push feel that some users may find more satisfying for tactile feedback, although its bottom out force is unknown. As a result, users looking for a light and responsive switch would benefit from the Deep Navy, while those who favor a firmer keystroke may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This comparison shows that the Cherry MX Orange has a longer travel distance by 0.4 mm, aligning with the traditional preference for a deeper feel in keypresses. For gamers who prioritize agility and quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Deep Navy may be more appealing, as it can provide a more immediate tactile feedback. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial key press might find the Cherry MX Orange's deeper travel more satisfying, as it allows for a more pronounced pressing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 best known for its rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. This switch offers a distinct acoustic experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, originally produced by Cherry's Japanese partner Hirose and recently updated for modern standards, maintains a reputation for solid performance but lacks specific sound characterizations in the provided information. It’s worth noting that the overall sound experience of both switches can vary significantly depending on the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which emphasizes the importance of the entire setup.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness with each keystroke, a quality likely enhanced by its Ly stem, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. Meanwhile, the MX Orange, with its legacy background, is generally appreciated for a smooth and responsive typing sensation, although specific details on its tactile feedback were not provided. Both switches present a linear feel, which will give typists a consistent and uninterrupted keypress experience, much appreciated in gaming and typing scenarios.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Orange switches each offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy excels in sound with its unique profile and silky smooth functionality, while the MX Orange brings a strong heritage and reliable performance to the table. Ultimately, while both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, the nuance lies in the individual switch characteristics, making it essential to try both and see which aligns better with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and tactile experience. If you favor a lighter actuation force and appreciate a rich, sharp sound profile with silky smooth keystrokes, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent choice. Its full nylon construction enhances the overall tactile feedback, making it particularly enjoyable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you value a more traditional switch feel that echoes the original Cherry MX Orange design but with modern enhancements, the MX Orange may be the better option. While its specific bottom-out force is less defined, it often offers a solid and reliable typing experience that can appeal to users looking for durability and consistency. Therefore, consider what elements are most important to you—be it the sound, the force needed to actuate, or the overall feel of your keyboard—when making your decision.
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