HMX Deep Navy vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry Nixie offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy, celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, features a full nylon construction that enhances durability while providing a silky smooth keystroke with its innovative Ly stem. This switch is ideal for those who seek a seamless typing experience along with satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches are revered classics in the keyboard community, known for their substantial heft and textured typing experience. With enhancements from Cherry's updated MX2A materials and springs, these switches successfully blend tradition with modern innovation, delivering a thocky and low-pitched sound that many enthusiasts cherish. While both switches fall under the linear category, their unique characteristics appeal to different needs—whether it’s the smoothness of the Deep Navy or the textured depth of the Nixie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry Nixie utilize the same housing material, specifically nylon, for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is crucial as it significantly influences the acoustic and tactile characteristics of the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Users will likely notice that both the Deep Navy and the Cherry Nixie produce a similar sound signature, characterized by a dull and rounded tone, which can enhance the overall typing experience through a more subdued auditory feedback.
When examining the impact of housing materials on the overall feel of the switches, the consistent use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings across the Deep Navy and Nixie reinforces the expected typing experience. As the bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influences the sound released upon key release, the uniformity in material ensures that users will enjoy a consistent typing response in both switches. The design philosophy behind these switches highlights the importance of material qualities, demonstrating that the manufacturers prioritized an integrated auditory experience alongside the tactile feedback provided by the switches.
In summary, the identical use of nylon for the top and bottom housings in both the HMX Deep Navy and the Cherry Nixie means that users can confidently anticipate similar results in terms of both sound and feel. The shared characteristics imparted by the nylon material lead to a cohesive experience that emphasizes depth and fullness, appealing to users who appreciate this signature typing sensation. Ultimately, whether using the Deep Navy or the Nixie, typists can expect a harmonious and satisfying interaction with their keyboards, thanks to the carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch exhibit distinctly different actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly influence their typing experience. The Deep Navy has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for prolonged use, such as at work or during lengthy gaming sessions where comfort is essential. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie features a much heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience preferred by users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Therefore, if you’re looking for a lighter switch ideal for extended use, the Deep Navy is the clear choice, while the Nixie caters to those who prefer a firmer resistance. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the fact that the switches cater to varying preferences in typing feel and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, the key difference lies in their respective measurements: the Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Nixie has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch is designed for a more responsive experience, appealing to those who favor quicker actuation times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Nixie, with its deeper travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer the sensation of a hearty keypress. Therefore, individuals who appreciate shorter distances for faster response times might gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a deeper travel may opt for the Nixie. In summary, the Deep Navy switch is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, making it more suitable for rapid actions, whereas the Nixie at 4 mm offers a more traditional and substantial keypress 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 features a rich, sharp sound profile largely attributed to its full nylon construction, but specific sound qualities are not detailed in the description provided. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are characterized by their thocky sound, producing deep, rich tones reminiscent of soft knocks. This low-pitched, bass-heavy quality provides a satisfying auditory response during typing that many enthusiasts appreciate. Notably, both sound profiles will be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, potentially blurring the distinctiveness of each switch's sound when experienced in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is not defined, leaving its tactile characteristics open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch offers a textured feel that brings noticeable friction during presses. Some users might enjoy this textured experience, while others may find themselves preferring a smoother option for uninterrupted typing. This variance in tactile feedback makes the Nixie more suited to those who appreciate distinct sensations when typing, whereas the experience provided by the Deep Navy remains unknown.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Deep Navy and Cherry Nixie linear switches present unique opportunities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, the Cherry Nixie is distinguished by its rich auditory feedback and textured feel. The Deep Navy's unknown qualities make it a potential area for exploration, but if you're seeking a classic switch experience with substantial sound and texture, the Nixie stands out. Despite these differences, both switches promise a level of quality that can lead to an enjoyable typing experience, tailored to your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a silky smooth keystroke and an immersive sound profile, the Deep Navy is an excellent option. Its full nylon construction contributes to a satisfying click, making it suitable for both gaming and typing without the fatigue that heavier switches can sometimes induce. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more robust and substantial typing experience, the Cherry Nixie will be your best bet. With its heavier bottom-out force and textured feel, it offers a distinct tactile sensation and a deep, thocky sound that many users find pleasurable. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy the weight of their keystrokes and want to feel more connected to the act of typing. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality choices, so consider what aspects resonate most with you to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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