HMX Deep Navy vs. Haimu Neo White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and desired typing experiences. The HMX Deep Navy, a linear switch celebrated for its rich and crisp sound profile, is constructed entirely from nylon, providing durability and a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its silky smoothness is accentuated by the unique Ly stem, making this switch a go-to for those who appreciate a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White also features a linear design but distinguishes itself with a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, which offers a unique typing feel that some users may find preferable. The use of the Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to its remarkably smooth actuation, providing a satisfying experience for typists who prioritize a mild and neutral touch. While the Deep Navy might appeal to enthusiasts looking for sound and tactile response, the Neo White may be the better choice for those who prefer a subtle, smooth motion and shorter travel distance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Haimu Neo White Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Haimu Neo White, the differences in their top housings stand out prominently. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic properties that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This serves to absorb sound better than harder plastics, leading to a duller, more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound created, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic output. The translucent quality of polycarbonate also makes it a favored option for RGB lighting, contributing to aesthetic appeal without sacrificing sound quality.

The bottom housings of both switches, however, are identical as both the HMX Deep Navy and the Haimu Neo White rely on nylon material for this component. Since nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile even at the bottom-out point. This consistency means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users can expect a notably similar auditory experience when they press the keys down. The nylon bottom housing complements the qualities of the top housing, allowing the Deep Navy to maintain its signature sound while the Neo White balances its sharper sounds with the warmth provided by its nylon base.

In terms of user experience, the combined role of the top and bottom housings means that while the Haimu Neo White will feature a clearer, more resonant release sound, the bottoming-out experience will still resonate with the richer tones common to nylon. Users who prioritize sound signature may appreciate how the interplay between nylon and polycarbonate provides distinct auditory results upon keystroke. Consequently, even though the top housing materials diverge in composition and sonic output, the nylon bottoms unify the experience, offering the actual keystroke feedback an essence of fullness that remains consistent across both models. Ultimately, this intricate balance between different materials allows for versatile sound characteristics, catering to diverse preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lightweight actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience that facilitates extended use without fatigue. In contrast, the Neo White's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, suggesting a more substantial feedback upon key presses which may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer tactile sensation. Consequently, while the Deep Navy is the lighter option, perfect for prolonged typing and gaming sessions, the Neo White caters to those who favor a stronger push feel in their switches. Overall, users seeking a comfortable and lightweight switch should opt for the Deep Navy, while those desiring a heavier and more pronounced keystroke should consider the Neo White.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this respect. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect a similar keypress experience when using both switches, resulting in comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness. This parity in travel distance ensures that whether one prefers the Deep Navy or the Neo White, they will achieve similar results in terms of key actuation and typing comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, which is enhanced by its full nylon construction. This combination ensures that each keystroke not only feels satisfying but also resonates with a distinct auditory clarity that can be quite immersive. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch features a neutral sound profile. This means it produces a moderate sound level that strikes a balance favorable for various environments, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in settings such as home or office. The choice of board and keycaps can further influence the overall sound, but the Deep Navy will likely provide a more pronounced auditory experience compared to the more subdued and versatile tone of the Neo White.

In terms of feel, the Deep Navy excels with its silky smooth keystrokes, primarily due to the impressive Ly stem, creating a feeling of fluidity as your fingers dance across the keys. This switch caters well to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switch provides a mild typing feel, offering a gentle touch that is neither overly aggressive nor too light. Its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel contribute to a comfortable and approachable typing experience that doesn’t overwhelm the user. Both switches utilize the Ly stem for smooth actuation, but the Deep Navy may give a more pronounced tactile experience compared to the softer touch of the Neo White.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences. The Deep Navy's rich sound and silky smooth keystrokes stand in contrast to the Neo White's neutral sound and milder feel, making each ideal for different users and situations. Those who crave a more pronounced audio experience with a fluid typing sensation may lean towards the Deep Navy, while those searching for an accessible and versatile switch may find the Neo White to be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preference, but both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key feel and are looking for a smooth, luxurious typing experience enhanced by a rich sound profile, then the Deep Navy switch is likely the right choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions where fatigue can become an issue. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a slightly firmer key resistance with a more balanced sound and feel, the Neo White's 58-gram bottom-out force and its neutral characteristics might better suit your needs. This switch provides a satisfying typing experience that balances performance and comfort, making it a versatile option whether you're working from home or gaming. Ultimately, consider how each switch's unique attributes align with your intended use, and you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect mechanical switch for your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Neo White Linear

$2.70 per 10

Learn more