HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Cream Pink

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Cream Pink both bring unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, made possible by its full nylon construction and Ly stem design, offering a satisfying tactile experience for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, while the Cream Pink may not have specific accolades, its design focuses on delivering a seamless linear feel that could appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience. Both switches allow for effortless key presses, but the Deep Navy stands out with its auditory feedback and premium build quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound and material feel; 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 Cream Pink Linear

$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 Cream Pink switches, one discovers that both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The use of nylon, a tried-and-true switch housing material, results in similar acoustic properties for both switches. Specifically, typing on either switch generates a deeper and fuller sound profile primarily due to the nylon's softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows each switch to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a more rounded and muted auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect to achieve a similar sound quality when typing on either switch, as both benefit from the inherent acoustic dampening of nylon.

Moreover, since the top and bottom housings of both the Deep Navy and Cream Pink are made from the same material, the user experience remains consistent in terms of feel and sound. The impact of nylon in both regions means that when pressed, the switches will demonstrate comparable bottom-out sound and feedback. The nuanced differences in sound profiles and tactile feedback, which may arise from other components such as springs or the design of the switch, are effectively minimized. This congruence in materials reassures typists that their experience won't vary greatly between the two; any subtle distinctions will likely stem from other factors rather than the housing itself.

However, it is important to note that while both switches employ the same material throughout, the overall design and additional characteristics, such as spring tension or keycap compatibility, could alter the user experience. For instance, the total feel during typing can also be influenced by the bottom housing, which significantly affects the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. In contrast, the top housing will influence the sound upon releasing a key. Consequently, while the nylon material provides a similar baseline auditory experience, individual preferences may ultimately lead typists to favor one switch over the other based on broader design attributes beyond just the housing material.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch present notable differences in both actuation force and bottom-out force, catering to different user preferences. The Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Pink switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. This weight difference indicates that the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Cream Pink is the heavier choice. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, users can expect a more effortless typing experience with the Deep Navy, whereas the Cream Pink may provide a more forceful and engaging tactile response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Cream Pink features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is more traditional and slightly longer. This variation suggests that users who favor a quicker response time may lean towards the Deep Navy, as shorter travel distances are often preferred for gaming purposes. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth might find the Cream Pink more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, individuals seeking enhanced responsiveness should opt for the Deep Navy, while others who appreciate a deeper feel should choose the Cream Pink.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, the Deep Navy stands out with its rich and sharp auditory experience, attributed to its full nylon construction. This allows for a distinctly pleasant sound that enhances the typing experience, providing a robust auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. The Cream Pink switch, on the other hand, lacks a defined sound profile, making it difficult to provide a concrete comparison. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound production will also depend on external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.

Regarding the tactile feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness with each keystroke, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. The precision of the Ly stem facilitates a seamless press, ensuring users can type or game with minimal resistance. In contrast, there is no available information on the feel of the Cream Pink switch, making it challenging to evaluate how it might measure up to the Deep Navy in terms of user experience.

In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a notable sound and feel that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate and seek after, combining a rich sonic character with velvety smooth keystrokes. The Outemu Cream Pink, while lacking detailed sound and feel descriptions, maintains its place as a linear switch that might still provide comparable experiences in terms of typing or gaming. Ultimately, if sound quality and tactile feedback are priority features for you, the Deep Navy is likely to deliver a superior experience, while the Cream Pink remains a more ambiguous option that could potentially satisfy users looking for a different yet understated linear switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a sleek tactile experience, then the Deep Navy is the way to go. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions, where you can enjoy the smooth and satisfying keystrokes without putting much strain on your fingers. Additionally, the rich sound profile and full nylon construction cater to users who appreciate both auditory feedback and build quality. On the other hand, if you favor a more resistant switch that offers a bit of weight to your keystrokes, the Cream Pink, with its 65-gram bottom-out force, might be more suitable. While it lacks the pronounced sound character of the Deep Navy, its medium-heavy feel can provide a more deliberate and controlled typing experience, which some find beneficial when coding or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the importance of sound and feel to you, and the specific applications you intend to use your mechanical keyboard for.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more