HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that cater to varying preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy switches stand out with their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem. These qualities make the Deep Navy switches an appealing choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback and a smooth linear feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches provide a unique typing experience characterized by a thocky sound profile and a similarly robust nylon build. The Cold Plum switches prioritize a distinct auditory satisfaction paired with a smooth keystroke, making them a fantastic option for those who seek a more textured and enjoyable typing sensation. Both switches cater to linear-switch enthusiasts but offer varying auditory experiences and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Cold Plum both utilize nylon as their primary housing material for both the top and bottom components of their switches. This choice of material draws from the longstanding reputation of nylon as a classic switch housing material, renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. In both models, the softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is notably more muted and rounded. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches during typing, characterized by a satisfying depth that enhances the overall typing experience.

When examining the top and bottom housings, it's interesting to note that the Deep Navy and Cold Plum not only employ the same material but also share the inherent qualities of nylon. As the bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound and feel when a key is bottomed out, both switches will produce a similar tactile response. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb sound ensures that the bottom-out sound is less jarring and provides a pleasant auditory feedback to the user. Furthermore, the top housing's contribution to the sound on key release will also remain consistent between the two models, reinforcing the idea that both switches yield comparable performance due to their identical material composition.

Despite the consistency in housing materials, the impact of any differences in switch design or actuation force can lead to variations in user experience. If there were to be variances between the switches in terms of actuation mechanism or intended use, the feel and effectiveness of the switches could differ, creating nuances in performance that might be notable to seasoned typists. However, the commonality in using nylon for both the top and bottom housings means that, fundamentally, users will achieve a similarly rich auditory experience and tactile feedback from either switch. Whether one opts for the HMX Deep Navy or the Outemu Cold Plum, the shared material characteristics ensure that their typing experiences will be pleasantly cohesive.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, clear differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing and gaming sessions where comfort is a priority. In contrast, the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Deep Navy is better suited for users looking for a softer touch, while the Cold Plum appeals to those who enjoy a firmer feel under their fingers. Overall, individuals must consider their personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these distinctly different switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cold Plum measures 3.3 mm. This difference positions the Cold Plum as the shorter travel option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the deeper travel distance of the Deep Navy may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Cold Plum could be the better choice, while if you favor a more pronounced feel, the Deep Navy may suit your preferences better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, which adds a dynamic auditory element to typing. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound profile, creating a deeper and more resonant auditory experience with each keystroke. Both switches feature a full nylon construction, contributing to the overall sound performance; however, the specific acoustic characteristics will ultimately be influenced by the keyboard’s design and the choice of keycaps.

Regarding feel, the Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience that enhances comfort and reduces typing fatigue. The Cold Plum switch, on the other hand, also features a smooth keystroke but emphasizes a satisfying tactile feedback that makes each keystroke feel particularly enjoyable. While both switches provide smooth actuation, the Cold Plum may engage users looking for a more tactile sensation during typing.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Cold Plum switches are excellent choices for those seeking a linear switch experience, each offering unique auditory and tactile qualities. While the Deep Navy delivers a sharp sound and silky smoothness, the Cold Plum provides a thocky sound accompanied by a satisfying feel. Regardless of which switch you choose, you're likely to enjoy a pleasant typing experience, with key differences that cater to different preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between HMX Deep Navy linear switches and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter keypress and a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the Deep Navy switches might be the best fit for you. Their silky smoothness and lower bottom-out force of 45 grams make them ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you favor a quick and responsive feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a firmer keypress with a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum switches, with their medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, might be more to your liking. These switches provide a satisfying tactile response that can enhance the typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate added feedback and depth in sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize comfort and lightness or prefer a tighter and more robust keystroke, both of which will contribute to a unique and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more