HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Cream Yellow offers distinct advantages depending on your typing preferences. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is renowned for its full nylon construction and delivers a rich and sharp sound profile, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience thanks to its Ly stem design. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prefer quick and fluid key presses without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow, classified as a tactile switch, offers a more pronounced bump during key activation, enhancing the tactile experience for those who find satisfaction in a physical response from their keystrokes. While both options aim to improve typing comfort and enjoyment, the selection ultimately hinges on whether you favor a linear, uninterrupted feel or a tactile, feedback-rich experience. 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 Yellow Tactile

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Cream Yellow switches both feature nylon top and bottom housings, which are classic materials known for their sound absorption properties. This commonality results in a similar auditory experience when typing on both switches. The nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder tone. Since both the Deep Navy and Cream Yellow utilize nylon in both their top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparable sound signature across both switch types. This makes them ideal for users seeking a quieter typing experience with less acoustic sharpness, which is often preferred in environments where noise reduction is essential.

While both switches share the same housing material, it is important to recognize that any differences in key feel and bottom-out sound may arise from other factors, such as the specific design and engineering of the switches. Although the sonic qualities provided by the nylon ensure a muted sound profile, the design variations might influence the tactile response experienced when actuating the keys. This means that while you may enjoy similar auditory qualities from both the Deep Navy and Cream Yellow switches, the feel of the switches during usage could differ, depending on the construction characteristics that take into account factors such as spring force and actuation point.

In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Cream Yellow switches deliver a consistent auditory experience due to their identical use of nylon in both top and bottom housings. The shared material properties lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by sound absorption and a lack of high-frequency harshness. However, the individual performance of these switches may vary based on proprietary design elements and adjustments made by their respective manufacturers. Therefore, while they can produce similar sound results, users might notice subtle differences in tactile feedback, which could influence their overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Thus, while the Deep Navy provides a smoother and easier keystroke for prolonged use, the Cream Yellow gives a firmer feedback that some may find more satisfying. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Cream Yellow leans towards the heavier side.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference highlights the Cream Yellow as the more responsive option, ideal for gamers who favor quick key presses for faster reaction times. Conversely, the Deep Navy provides a heartier depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Thus, if you're looking for a sense of depth in your key presses, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, whereas if instant responsiveness is your priority, the Outemu Cream Yellow would serve you well.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch presents a rich and sharp audio profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. This creates an acoustically pleasing experience where each keystroke resonates with clarity. The Deep Navy's sound can lend a certain depth to typing that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow does not have a specific sound profile established; thus, there's a lack of distinctive auditory characteristics to discuss. It's important to note that the overall sound experience is influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which can affect the output regardless of the switch type.

In terms of feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smoothness during use, facilitated by its Ly stem design. This provides a seamless typing experience that can enhance both gaming and productivity, making it a favorite among users who prioritize fluid key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch lacks defined information about its tactile feel, which leaves a gap in understanding how it may compare in tactile feedback or actuation.

Considering all the available information, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its rich sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, making it a strong contender for those seeking an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow's lack of a defined sound and tactile characteristics leaves it somewhat ambiguous in comparison. If you prefer smooth, linear feedback and enjoy a distinct auditory experience, the Deep Navy is clearly the better choice. Meanwhile, the performance of the Cream Yellow remains uncertain, and it may not offer the same sensory satisfaction without further insight.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you favor a lighter switch that allows for quick and smooth keystrokes, the HMX Deep Navy is an excellent option. Its 45-gram actuation force makes it ideal for rapid typing and gaming, where every millisecond counts. The rich sound profile and silky smoothness add to an engaging auditory and tactile experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more seamless connection to their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback that provides a satisfying bump with each press, you'll likely enjoy the Outemu Cream Yellow. With a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, this switch can offer a more deliberate typing feel, which can be beneficial for those who may make fewer typing errors and appreciate the tactile feedback while typing. Therefore, consider your typing style and what you value more in a switch—whether it's the smooth and light feel of the Deep Navy or the tactile feedback and slight resistance of the Cream Yellow—as each switch caters to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more