HMX Deep Navy vs. Cherry MX Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Red stand out as two notable linear options, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile, crafted from full nylon for enhanced durability, and features a Ly stem that ensures silky smooth keystrokes. This switch excels in providing a satisfying auditory experience that can immerse users in their typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is a classic choice well-regarded for its slightly heftier feel and low-pitched, thocky sound profile, which combines responsiveness with a satisfying depth that's especially appreciated by gamers seeking quick actuation and feedback. While both switches offer smooth linear travel, the Deep Navy emphasizes a more refined acoustic experience, whereas the MX Red focuses on a robust tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Cherry MX Red Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry MX Red, we find that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material choice leads to similar auditory experiences when typing on either switch. Nylon is lauded for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, which enhances the overall typing experience. A significant factor in this is nylon’s softness as a plastic; it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in what can be described as a duller and rounder sound. Thus, users of both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Red can expect a consistent auditory signature that elicits a satisfying keystroke experience.

Moreover, the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the sound characteristics contributed by the material will work in tandem to produce an appealing feedback when the key is pressed and released. While each switch will exhibit its unique qualities due to factors like actuation force and design nuances, the foundational sound profile remains unchanged thanks to the shared use of nylon. Similar results can be anticipated in terms of typing acoustics, providing an enjoyable soundscape regardless of the choice between the two. This consistency can be particularly appealing to users who prioritize acoustic quality in their keyboard experience.

Despite both switches using nylon for their housings, it's important to note that other aspects of their designs may still lead to differences in feel and performance. Should the top and bottom housings differ in other switch designs outside those of the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Red, the unique qualities of each housing would influence the typing experience. In this scenario, the bottom housing would predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing would shape the sound made on releasing a key. However, since both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Red utilize nylon throughout, they effectively avoid such divergences, further solidifying the cohesiveness in sound profile and tactile feedback between these two switches.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch exhibit differences in their actuation forces, which affects user preference for typing and gaming experiences. The Deep Navy switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Cherry MX Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Deep Navy switch more comfortable. The bottom out force for the Deep Navy is 45 grams, allowing for a tactile feedback experience when the key is fully depressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Red is reported as unknown, which leaves some ambiguity about the feel at the bottom of the stroke. However, the known actuation forces indicate that the Deep Navy is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer less resistance when pressing keys. Conversely, the slightly heavier Cherry MX Red may appeal to users desiring a more substantial feel while typing.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Deep Navy providing a shorter travel of 3.6 mm compared to the 4 mm of the Cherry MX Red. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a slightly more responsive experience, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker key activation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel and depth when typing or gaming, allowing for a bit more feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—those who appreciate a snappier response may gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those favoring a deeper travel experience may find the Cherry MX Red more satisfying.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp auditory experience, partially attributable to its full nylon construction. This material facilitates a crisp sound profile that enhances the typing experience, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by its thocky and low-pitched sound. This switch produces a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft "knock" whenever a key is pressed, delivering a more robust acoustic experience that some users may find more satisfying. Both switches, while differing in their sound characteristics, are influenced by external factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can shape the overall sound profile.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch ensures a smooth keystroke experience, allowing for effortless typing without any noticeable friction. This silkiness is favored by those who prioritize a seamless and fluid touch on their keyboard. The Cherry MX Red, however, introduces a textured feel that is more pronounced, providing users with some level of friction while typing. This tactile sensation can be enjoyable for many, although it contrasts with the Deep Navy's focus on smoothness. While the two switches diverge in tactile feedback, both offers pathways to satisfying keystrokes, catering to different typing preferences.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Red linear switches exhibit distinctive sound and feel characteristics catering to varying preferences. The Deep Navy's rich sound and smooth feel contrast with the MX Red's thocky auditory depth and textured experience. While they may not align perfectly in every respect, each can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, and users can find satisfaction depending on their auditory and tactile preferences. If overall typing experience is a priority, both options would provide a fulfilling experience, but the choice will hinge on individual user preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

In summary, selecting between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter key press and are drawn to a unique auditory experience, the Deep Navy may be the better choice for you. Its sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes make it ideal for immersive typing sessions, whether for work, gaming, or casual use. You might also appreciate its full nylon construction for added durability. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more classic and robust feel, the MX Red stands out with its slightly heftier weight and signature thocky sound, which provides a deeper auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its textured feel could appeal to those who enjoy a bit of resistance under their fingertips, offering a memorable typing experience that’s particularly satisfying for long sessions. Ultimately, knowing whether you prefer a lightweight, smooth typing experience or a slightly heavier and richly textured one will help you make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more