HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Cream Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference often guides the decision, especially when comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and a rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quiet yet responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch offers a distinct tactile feedback combined with an audible click, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. While the Deep Navy provides a seamless typing experience perfect for long sessions of typing or gaming, the Cream Blue caters to users who relish the satisfying sound and feel of each press. 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 Cream Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Cream Blue share a commonality in their switch housings, both featuring top and bottom housings made from nylon. This alignment in materials suggests that both switches will deliver similar auditory experiences, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounded and less sharp acoustic feedback. Consequently, whether one is typing on the Deep Navy or the Cream Blue, the experience is likely to be a cohesive one, with both switches bringing forth that signature nylon sound quality due to their identical material composition.

However, even with the same nylon materials, the shapes and designs of the housings may differ. If one analyzes the bottom housing's impact, it becomes clear that the feel and feedback of pressing down on the switches may provide subtle distinctions. The Deep Navy might present a tactile feel that is informed by its unique housing design, while the Cream Blue could potentially have a different stem or spring configuration that influences the bottom-out experience. While the broad auditory characteristics will align, the tactile feedback could diverge between the two models, leading to nuanced differences in user experience despite their similar material foundations.

In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Cream Blue utilize nylon in their construction, enabling them to generate a similar sound profile that typifies the qualities of softer plastics. This uniformity in housing materials points to an overall experience where users will enjoy a deeper and mellower sound when typing. Nonetheless, any variations in design elements or internal mechanisms could introduce unique tactile sensations, underscoring how even similar materials can lead to distinct keyboard experiences based on overall design and engineering. Thus, while sound quality may unify them, other factors still create individuality within these two switch variants.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. 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 those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended periods at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Blue requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile feel that might appeal to users who favor heavier switches. Consequently, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Cream Blue is significantly heavier. This difference in weight and force means that users will experience distinct typing sensations based on their individual preferences for actuation and bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Cream Blue switch offers a more traditional feel with a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm in the Deep Navy may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, if you prioritize a snappier feel, the Deep Navy is the better choice, whereas if you enjoy more depth in your key presses, the Cream Blue would likely suit your preferences better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing, largely attributed to its full nylon construction. This switch produces a smooth and satisfying sound during keystrokes, which many users find appealing for both gaming and typing scenarios. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch doesn’t have a specified sound profile, but given its design characteristics, it can be expected to provide a notable click sound when activated. Ultimately, the sound quality will also heavily depend on the keyboard's layout, construction, and the choice of keycaps, so variations in sound may occur between different setups.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, allowing for fluid keystrokes that are devoid of tactile bumps or resistance; it delivers a seamless experience perfect for rapid typing or gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch, which likely means it provides a tactile bump followed by an audible click, giving users both feedback and audible confirmation of activation. This tactile feel can enhance typing precision but might not be as fluid and smooth as the Deep Navy.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy linear and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switches cater to different typing experiences and preferences. The Deep Navy excels in providing a smooth and crisp sound while delivering fluid keystrokes, making it ideal for users who appreciate a refined typing experience. The Cream Blue, while lacking a defined sound profile, likely offers a distinctive tactile and auditory feedback with its clicky design. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to diverse typing needs, but users should consider their personal preferences and typing habits when making a choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing feel, sound, and typing force. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a smooth and silky keystroke, the Deep Navy switch would be the better choice for you. Its construction and sound profile offer a richer, sharper auditory experience that can enhance your typing or gaming sessions, making it an excellent option for those who favor a quiet yet responsive switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback accompanied by a noticeable click, the Cream Blue switch might be right for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force, it provides a satisfying push and audible feedback that many typists relish—perfect for those who type a lot and enjoy the confirmation of each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter experience or a tactile, clicky one, as each switch caters to distinct styles of keyboard use.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more