HMX Deep Navy vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options stand out: the HMX Deep Navy, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a tactile switch. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and rich, resonant sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch offers an appealing choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer seamless key presses without tactile feedback, allowing for rapid, uninterrupted typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB delivers a distinct tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke. This switch caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation, making it ideal for writers and gamers who appreciate knowing when a key has been actuated. While both switches offer unique benefits suited to different preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is a traditional choice in the manufacturing of keyboard switches due to its acoustic properties, as it tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. With both switches utilizing nylon, users can expect a comparable typing experience, characterized by a softer touch that absorbs sound effectively. This absorption results in a sound that is usually duller and rounder, thus enhancing the overall tactile experience of typing without harsh audio feedback.
Despite their shared reliance on nylon for the housing components, the manner in which these materials impact the typing experience varies based on their distribution in the switch structure. With the Deep Navy featuring nylon both at the top and bottom, and the Cherry MX Purple RGB employing the same setup, both switches harness the acoustic benefits of nylon across their entire structure. However, since the physical characteristics and design elements of each switch may slightly differ, the resulting acoustic signatures might still present distinct nuances. The bottom housing's influence is particularly significant when bottoming out keys, while the top housing shapes the sound during the release phase. This interplay between the housings means that even with identical materials, the overall feel and sound can be subtly distinctive.
Ultimately, while the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches utilize the same nylon housing materials, their performance characteristics offer a unique insight into how design choices affect user experience. Since both switches possess a nylon top and bottom housing, users can anticipate similar foundational sound profiles that prioritize depth and richness. The overarching consistency in material leads to a uniformity in sound absorption and tactile response, ensuring that enthusiasts will appreciate a satisfying typing experience with both options, despite the potential for variance brought about by other design factors.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch exhibit differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, along with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unknown, which leaves a gap in direct comparison regarding how much pressure is required when fully depressed. Overall, the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a heavier tactile response, catering to different user preferences in typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Deep Navy features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel suitable for fast-paced gaming, the Deep Navy could be the better choice due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional and robust typing experience, the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be more appealing, offering a sensation that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, the preference between these switches depends on individual comfort and the desired feedback from the keyboard.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 presents a rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a unique auditory experience without any tactile bump or click. This gives the switch a more consistent and smooth auditory signature throughout its travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience with a distinct bump that provides an audible feedback, adding variance to the sound signature. Both switches produce different types of sound, but the combination of switch construction and keyboard materials can influence the overall auditory characteristics, so personal preferences might vary based on the specific keyboard setup.
Regarding feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing for seamless keystrokes without interruption, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer an uninterrupted typing or gaming experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, however, features a short, medium-strength tactile bump, which is designed to give a satisfying feedback when pressed. This tactile sensation can be beneficial for typists or gamers who appreciate a clear indication of actuation, enhancing their overall typing experience. While the feel of both switches caters to different preferences—smoothness versus tactility—each offers a compelling experience in its own right.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch shines with its smooth sound and feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB excels with its tactile feedback and corresponding sound, catering to users who enjoy that distinct sense of actuation. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Both options have their unique strengths, and you can achieve satisfying results with either switch based on what fits your typing style better.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, your individual preferences and typing styles should guide your choice. If you enjoy a light, smooth keystroke and prefer the minimalist feel of a linear switch without the distraction of tactile bumps, the Deep Navy is an excellent option. It’s particularly suited for users who appreciate a quiet typing experience and a satisfying auditory feedback, thanks to its rich sound profile and silky smoothness. On the other hand, if you thrive on feedback while typing and want the satisfaction of a tactile bump to confirm each keystroke, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the clear winner. The refined tactile experience it offers, combined with its medium-strength actuation, caters to those who enjoy a more engaged typing style, especially when coding or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and quietness over tactile feedback and actuation feel, allowing you to find the switch that best complements your typing experience.
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