HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference often dictates the choice, as different types can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy switch, known for its silky smoothness and rich sound profile, stands out with a full nylon construction and a Ly stem design, making it an excellent option for those who favor a linear switch for fast, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch provides a tactile and clicky feedback with a distinct audible sound, appealing to typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with every keystroke. While the Deep Navy appeals to gamers or users who prioritize smoothness over sound, the Blue is favored by writers or programmers who appreciate the auditory confirmation of each keystroke. 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

Outemu Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Blue switches, a notable difference is evident in the composition of their top housings. The Deep Navy switch utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material dampens and absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a sound that is rounder and more muted. Conversely, the Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity. This stiffer plastic resonates more acutely, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile that many gamers and typists often prefer due to its clarity. Thus, while both switches utilize plastic in their top housings, their differing compositions create distinct auditory experiences.

However, when examining the bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and Outemu Blue switches share a similarity: nylon is employed in both cases. As a classic switch housing material, nylon performs consistently by generating a deep and full sound profile thanks to its softer nature. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of each keypress, both switches will likely exhibit similar characteristics in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing in both models will absorb some sound, ensuring that the keypresses are pleasant and cohesive, highlighting the importance of the material in creating a satisfying typing experience.

In essence, while the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Blue switches differ in the material used for their top housings, they converge at the bottom with nylon, which unifies their overall sound profile to an extent. The contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings will lead to perceptible differences when typing, with the Deep Navy providing a warmer and more subdued experience, while the Outemu Blue yields an energizing sharpness. Nonetheless, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches share some foundational acoustic characteristics, allowing users to experience similar results in sound dampening and key feedback during use. This interplay between the distinct and shared materials ultimately shapes the unique essence of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that may influence user preference. The Deep Navy switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a lighter option that can facilitate longer typing sessions, ideal for both work and extensive gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. The Deep Navy also has a bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for consistent feedback when a key is fully pressed down. However, the Outemu Blue switch does not provide a bottom out force measurement, leaving that detail unknown. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter choice, while the Outemu Blue offers a heavier resistance, catering to different typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the differences are evident. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter of the two options, catering to users who prefer quicker response times, which is often favored in gaming contexts. In contrast, the Outemu Blue's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for response speed versus key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the Deep Navy offers a rich and sharp sound profile that enhances the typing experience, thanks to its nylon construction. This switch is engineered to provide a consistent auditory response with each key press, promoting an immersive typing atmosphere. In comparison, the Outemu Blue is known for its clicky sound that is marked by a distinct tactile feedback, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory cue with every keystroke. This clicky sound is often favored by typists seeking assurance that their inputs have been registered, but keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by the mechanical keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, which allows for fluid keystrokes without any bumps or resistance. This linear feel is ideal for users who prefer a seamless typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch delivers a tactile sensation that provides noticeable feedback as the key is pressed down. This tactile bump is a hallmark of clicky switches and can help typists with touch typing, offering a sense of connectivity with each action. The difference in feel caters to different preferences, one being smooth and uninterrupted, while the other is engaging and responsive.

In summary, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a smooth and rich sound experience paired with seamless keystrokes, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides an audible click and tactile feedback that many find satisfying. Both switches present unique sensory experiences, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a quieter environment and smooth operation, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you enjoy an audible click and tactile feedback for assurance during typing, the Outemu Blue may be more to your liking. Each switch has its unique attributes that can complement different typing styles and user needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you're seeking a smooth, quiet experience with a light touch, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent option. Designed for those who enjoy a seamless flow while typing or gaming, its 45-gram bottom-out force paired with the silky smooth Ly stem ensures effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you thrive on auditory feedback and a tactile sensation while you type, the Outemu Blue switch could be more appealing. Known for its distinctive clicky sound, it offers an engaging typing experience that can enhance your productivity — especially if you enjoy the audible confirmation that each keystroke has been registered. In essence, choose the Deep Navy for a refined, quiet touch, ideal for tranquility in both work and play, while the Blue switch suits those who relish a more interactive and pronounced typing style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more