HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Black both present compelling options for fans of linear switches. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and the unique Ly stem design. This switch offers an immersive typing experience that can enhance both gaming and typing sessions. In comparison, the Outemu Black also falls under the linear category, providing a reliable and straightforward typing experience, but without the distinctive sound profile of the Deep Navy. While both switches cater to users looking for a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, the Deep Navy shines with a touch of auditory satisfaction, making it potentially more appealing for enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Black, one notable distinction comes from the top housing: the Deep Navy utilizes nylon, while the Outemu Black features polycarbonate. Nylon's inherent properties lead to a more subdued auditory experience, producing a deep and full sound due to its softer nature. This material absorbs sound waves effectively, resulting in a more rounded acoustic profile akin to that of a traditional acoustic instrument. In contrast, the Outemu Black's polycarbonate top housing delivers a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate enhance resonance, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, particularly if RGB lighting is involved, as the translucent quality of polycarbonate adds a visual element to the experience.
On the other hand, both the Deep Navy and Outemu Black share a common characteristic in their bottom housings, as both switches utilize nylon. This shared use of nylon results in similar auditory qualities when pressing down on the keys, as the nylon bottom absorbs sound in a comparable manner, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that regardless of the top housing's material, the overall keypress sensation will still provide a consistent bottom-out sound and feel. The soft plastic properties of nylon dampen the impact of each keystroke, fostering a comfortable typing experience that both switches can deliver.
Overall, the combination of materials in these two switches emphasizes the interplay between sound and tactile feedback. While the Deep Navy’s nylon top contributes to a deeper, rounded sound profile, the Outemu Black’s polycarbonate top adds clarity and sharpness to the audio experience. However, the use of nylon for both switches' bottoms ensures that users will experience a consistent bottom-out sensation, emphasizing that both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results for users, albeit through different auditory pathways from the top housings. The unique blend of materials in each switch presents users with diverse options to cater to their personal preferences, demonstrating how material choice can significantly influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces emerge. The Deep Navy switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, conducive to long typing sessions or extended gameplay. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom-out force of 82 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. This discrepancy means that users might experience fatigue more quickly with the Outemu Black during prolonged use compared to the lighter Deep Navy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: the Deep Navy is better suited for those looking for a lighter touch, while the Outemu Black caters to individuals who appreciate a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, a notable difference emerges: the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black measures 4 mm. This means the Deep Navy offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Outemu Black's longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, if you value rapid execution and a snappier tactile experience, the Deep Navy may be the preferable choice, while the Black could be more appealing for users who appreciate a hearty press. Thus, selecting between these switches will depend largely on personal preference for the switch's depth and response characteristics.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its rich and sharp sound profile, giving it a distinct auditory character that enhances the typing experience. This is largely attributed to its full nylon construction, which contributes to the overall acoustics when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch doesn't have a well-documented sound profile, leaving its auditory experience more ambiguous. However, it is worth noting that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard design and the type of keycaps used, so users can still achieve a satisfying auditory quality regardless of the switch.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, providing a gratifying tactile experience that many users appreciate. This smooth action can lead to less finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Black is not specifically detailed, which may leave potential users in the dark about what to expect in terms of tactile response or resistance. That said, the linear nature of both switches suggests that they will share a smooth keystroke experience, allowing for a uniform typing feel across both options, even if the nuances differ.
In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch clearly offers a richer auditory quality and a notably smooth feel, the Outemu Black switch lacks specific details to compare its sound and tactile characteristics effectively. Despite this, both switches share the linear design, which typically implies a similar typing experience in terms of smoothness. Users looking for a more defined sound experience may lean towards the Deep Navy, while those who prioritize the smooth stroke of a linear switch may find both to their liking, albeit with the caveat that the specific feel of the Outemu Black remains unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, your selection between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch largely hinges on your preferences for keystroke feel and actuation force. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience, the Deep Navy with its 45 grams of actuation force may be the ideal choice for you; its silky smoothness and pleasant sound profile enhance the overall typing experience, making it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you lean towards a firmer keystroke that requires more deliberate pressure, the Outemu Black, with its heavier 82 grams of actuation force, may be more to your liking. This switch suits users who appreciate a more substantial physical feedback while typing or gaming, providing an assurance of each keypress. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on whether you value a lighter, smoother touch or a heavier, more deliberate press in your mechanical keyboard experience. Choose accordingly to match your typing style and preferences!
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