HMX Deep Navy vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry MX Silent Red 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 the Cherry MX Silent Red each offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and environments. The Deep Navy switch, renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, is crafted with a full nylon construction and features a silky smooth Ly stem, providing an enjoyable and tactile typing experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the familiar feel of the beloved MX Red but excels in noise-sensitive settings, boasting a quiet operation that allows for comfortable typing without disturbing others. With its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured characteristics, the MX Silent Red is perfect for professionals in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches will hinge on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Silent Red switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, which results in a similar auditory experience during typing. This shared use of nylon—a classic switch housing material—means that both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent qualities of nylon, being a softer plastic, contribute to sound absorption, leading to a richer auditory output. As a result, users can expect not only a noticeable dampening of sound but also a well-rounded typing experience when using either switch, making them ideal choices for quiet environments.
Even though the housing materials for both switches are identical, the integration of these materials in the two designs may still lead to nuanced differences in tactile feedback and sound characteristics. Each switch's bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the sound produced when a key bottoms out, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, despite both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Silent Red switches being crafted with nylon, the overall typing experience may vary subtly due to design choices beyond just the material itself, such as the spring tension and actuation depth.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer a similar foundation for typing sound due to their matching nylon top and bottom housings. This similarity ensures that, when it comes to the auditory experience, users will feel right at home whether they choose one switch over the other. Nevertheless, the interplay of each switch's design may introduce slight variations in feel and sound profile during the pressing and releasing of keys, illustrating how the nuances between identical materials can create distinctive user experiences in practice.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially over long durations. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial typing feel. However, its bottom out force remains unspecified, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that aspect. Given this information, those who favor a lighter switch may lean towards the Deep Navy, while those who appreciate the sensation of a heavier force may find the Silent Red more appealing. As a result, while the actuation forces differ, the bottom out experience of both remains partly unknown for the Cherry MX Silent Red switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference, though minor, indicates that the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a deeper press compared to the HMX Deep Navy. Those who prioritize responsiveness in their keys may prefer the HMX Deep Navy due to its shorter travel, allowing for faster actuation, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced feel when typing, providing a satisfying depth that some may find preferable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value speed or tactile feedback more in your keyboard 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp tone, providing an immersive auditory experience with each keypress. This full nylon construction contributes to a more pronounced sound that can add a unique character to your typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is designed for those who prefer a quieter setup without sacrificing the engaging experience of mechanical switches. The Silent Red operates with a muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Deep Navy offers a more robust sound experience, the Silent Red provides a subtler, yet still satisfying auditory feedback.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Deep Navy linear switch promises a silky smoothness with every keystroke, enhancing the tactile experience and allowing for fluid typing. This smoothness is complemented by its design, which makes it quite appealing to those who prioritize a pleasant feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red features a slightly heftier feel that some may describe as textured, introducing a hint of friction that can be noticeable with each press. This texture might not be as smooth as the Deep Navy, but it can offer a different type of engagement for typists who enjoy subtle feedback from their switches.
In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry MX Silent Red switches differ notably in sound and feel, each has its own merits. The Deep Navy provides a rich and vibrant auditory experience alongside a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a little more acoustic feedback. Conversely, the Silent Red prioritizes a quiet yet satisfying typing experience with its muted sound and textured feel, catering to users who need to maintain a serene environment. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your priorities—whether you seek the rich sound and smoothness of the Deep Navy or the discreet and engaging nature of the Silent Red.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself in environments where a rich, satisfying sound profile enhances your typing experience, and you enjoy a light actuation force, the Deep Navy switches might be the perfect fit for you. They provide a unique auditory feedback with their deep and thocky sound, making each keystroke feel immersive and engaging. On the other hand, if you work in noise-sensitive settings, such as an office or shared space, and you appreciate a smoother, quieter typing experience while still maintaining that classic linear feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches would likely be your best option. Their muted acoustics allow you to type without disturbing those around you, providing a more subdued yet still pleasant experience. Ultimately, consider your sound preferences, the tactile feel you enjoy, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your mechanical typing needs.
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