HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Blue offers enthusiasts distinct benefits tailored to different preferences. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking quick, uninterrupted keypresses and a quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is a clicky switch that brings a tactile response with audible feedback, appealing to typists who enjoy an engaging and satisfying sensation with each keystroke. While the Deep Navy prioritizes smoothness and silent operation, the Dustproof Blue shines in its clicky action that many find enjoyable for typing. Ultimately, understanding the unique characteristics of each switch will help gauge which option aligns with your typing style or gaming needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches, significant differences are apparent in their top housing compositions. The Deep Navy switch features a nylon top housing that is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft, sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which many users may find favorably muted and warm when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue boasts a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows it to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances resonance and clarity, making typing feel more vibrant and lively. This stark difference in top housing materials not only affects the sound produced during key activation but also contributes to the overall typing experience offered by each switch.
However, the bottom housing of both the Deep Navy and Dustproof Blue switches is made from nylon, which eliminates any disparity in sound quality stemming from this component. Both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile from the nylon bottom housing, affirming its classic status in the keyboard community. Since nylon inherently absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, both switches will share a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound. Therefore, when these two switches are compared in terms of their bottom housing, they yield similar auditory results, and the softer material can enhance the overall feel while typing. This commonality serves as a bridge between the two switches, illustrating that despite their top housing differences, they harmonize in the bottom housing realm.
Ultimately, while the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Blue vary in their top housing materials and the impact on sound, their nylon bottom housings unify their experiences in terms of bottom-out feedback. Users might appreciate the unique sound qualities of each switch depending on their typing preference; those looking for a more muted, mellow experience may gravitate toward the Deep Navy, while others might prefer the heightened clarity of the Dustproof Blue. The interaction of the top and bottom housings in these switches showcases how the materials can work together to create distinct yet complementary acoustic profiles, making each switch suited to different typing styles and aesthetic choices, particularly when considering factors like RGB lighting where polycarbonate shines.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming due to the reduced strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue requires a heftier actuation force of 50 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience. As such, those seeking a lighter switch would naturally gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while users who favor a heavier, more resistant feel would opt for the Dustproof Blue. Overall, these differences cater to varying preferences, with the Deep Navy providing a lighter touch and the Dustproof Blue offering a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Deep Navy boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Blue has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Dustproof Blue offers a more traditional feel with a more pronounced key press, which some users prefer for a satisfactory tactile feedback. In contrast, the Deep Navy's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more streamlined feel to their keyboard. Ultimately, those who favor a more responsive typing experience might lean towards the HMX Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses might prefer the Outemu Dustproof Blue.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
The Outemu Dustproof Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp audio profile that elevates the typing experience. Crafted with full nylon construction, these switches produce a satisfying tone that contributes to an immersive environment. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is known for its definitive click sound, although specific details about its sound profile are not available. It's important to note that the overall sound experience will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction, choice of keycaps, and even the user’s typing style, resulting in the potential for nuanced auditory differences despite their distinct classifications.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is characterized by its silky smoothness with each keystroke, thanks to the Ly stem design that promotes a consistent and effortless typing experience. This smooth action can be particularly appealing for those who favor rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes during long typing sessions or gaming. The Dustproof Blue, being a clicky switch, will provide a more tactile feedback with each press, giving users a distinct click sound and sensation that signals key actuation. This tactile response can be rewarding for typists who enjoy the audible and physical feedback during their typing.
Considering all the information available, the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. While the Deep Navy excels with its smoothness and rich audio presence, the Dustproof Blue stands out with its tactile and audible feedback. Users will find that if they favor auditory cues and tactile responses, the Dustproof Blue will be more satisfying, while those seeking a quieter and smoother experience will likely prefer the Deep Navy linear switch. Therefore, your choice will ultimately depend on your individual typing style and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing style, preferences for feedback, and desired sound profile. If you enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience with lower actuation force, the Deep Navy switch with its 45-gram bottom-out force is ideal for you. It offers a silky-smooth keystroke without the disruptive click, making it perfect for a serene workspace or for late-night gaming sessions where noise might be a concern. This switch's soft sound profile adds a touch of richness to your typing without being overly loud, making it versatile for both casual and professional environments. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and the satisfaction of audible clicks, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is your go-to choice. With a heavier 65-gram bottom-out force, this switch requires more effort to press, which can give you a more deliberate feel while typing. Although the sound profile of the Dustproof Blue is not as prominently noted, its clicky nature offers a satisfying auditory cue that many typists find highly rewarding. Ultimately, by considering your preference for sound, feedback, and the weight of the switch, you can make an informed choice that enhances your typing experience.
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