HMX Deep Navy vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When considering the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Deep Navy switch, characterized by its full nylon construction and rich, sharp sound profile, offers a uniquely engaging experience with every keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch provides an impeccably smooth type feel with a neutral sound signature, which is perfectly suited for users seeking a quieter and more subdued typing experience. Both switches fall under the linear category, ensuring a smooth actuation without any tactile bump or click, yet they present distinct auditory and tactile sensations that can significantly influence a user's choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Haimu Orange Sea switches present a notable contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is a result of nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The unique translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting. As a result, while both switch designs serve their functional purpose, they cater to different auditory preferences and visual aesthetics.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality with their bottom housings, as both the Deep Navy and the Orange Sea utilize nylon. This material again provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, consistent with the softer characteristics that nylon is known for. Consequently, for both switches, pressing down on the keys results in a similar auditory experience due to the nylon bottom housing. This shared characteristic ensures that despite the contrasting top housing materials, the overall tactile and sound experience remains closely linked in terms of bottom-out sensations and vibrations.

Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials imply that users may perceive a divergence in audio qualities when the key is released. The Deep Navy's nylon top resonates with a duller tone, while the Orange Sea's polycarbonate produces a crisper sound. However, when considering the interaction with the bottom housing, both switches offer a unifying auditory experience derived from the nylon foundation. Thus, while the two switches display varying sound profiles depending on the top material, their shared bottom housing leads to a cohesive and harmonious feel during keypresses, expertly blending their distinct qualities.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we note that both switches feature a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a similar resistance at the end of their travel. However, the actuation forces differ slightly: the Deep Navy requires 40 grams to register a keystroke, whereas the Orange Sea requires a lighter 37 grams. As a result, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a slightly smoother and lighter typing experience, which may appeal to those seeking reduced fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the HMX Deep Navy, while still light, provides a marginally heavier actuation force, catering to users who favor a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Therefore, for users prioritizing the lightest touch, the Orange Sea is the better choice, while those who prefer a firmer feel may lean towards the Deep Navy despite both switches being relatively light overall.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar keypress feel when using either switch. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that typing and gaming experiences will feel consistent across both switches, allowing for a seamless transition between them if a user chooses to switch from one to the other. Since both switches have identical travel distances, neither can be deemed shorter or longer; instead, they provide an equivalent tactile feedback and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch delivers a rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a resonant acoustic experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers an impeccably smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature that generally blends well with various setups. While both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback, the Deep Navy likely produces a more pronounced auditory character, whereas the Orange Sea leans toward a quieter and more balanced sound, ideal for those who prefer a less intrusive typing environment.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, which ensures a pristine tactile experience during use. This characteristic is reinforced by the advanced design of the Ly stem, promising fluidity in movement and a satisfying response. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea excels with its exceptionally smooth typing feel, creating a seamless interaction without any notable resistance. Both switches cater to users who appreciate linear switches, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience, though the Deep Navy might offer a slightly more luxurious tactile quality due to its construction.

In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches showcase distinct sound and feel qualities, they both appeal to users seeking smooth, linear operation. The Deep Navy's rich sound profile invites a more dynamic acoustic experience, while the Orange Sea promises neutrality and smoothness in both sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preferences regarding sound and auditory presence while typing, with both switches able to deliver satisfying performance in a linear switch format.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your choice largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy rich, sharp sound profiles and a unique auditory experience with every keystroke, the Deep Navy will likely appeal to you. Its silky smoothness, thanks to the Ly stem, provides a satisfying typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate both acoustics and a gentle touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature coupled with impeccably smooth typing sensations, the Orange Sea may be the better option for you. Its design emphasizes a balanced experience, ideal for users seeking a quiet and refined typing performance. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the immersive qualities of the Deep Navy or the understated elegance of the Orange Sea, both switches offer a lightweight actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions. Thus, carefully consider what aspects are most important for your typing style and environment to make an informed choice that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more