HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the type of experience one seeks during typing or gaming. The HMX Deep Navy switch is a linear switch, celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and a rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize smooth action without tactile bump or audible feedback, allowing for rapid key presses and reduced finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch is a tactile switch, providing that satisfying feedback with each keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and pleasure. While these tactile elements make it ideal for those who enjoy the physical sensation of a key press, the Dustproof Purple’s design ensures durability against dust accumulation, making it suited for environments prone to debris. Both switches cater to different user preferences—linear for smoothness and precision, and tactile for engagement and satisfaction—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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches differ significantly in their materials used for the top housing, which has a notable impact on their auditory profiles. The Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller audio experience. This sound characteristic is primarily because nylon is a softer plastic, effectively muffling vibrations and resulting in a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more resonant and clear audio profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a brighter typing sound. The aesthetic transparency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, a consideration for users who prioritize visuals alongside performance.
Interestingly, both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Dustproof Purple utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similarity in the auditory experience at key bottom-out moments. Since the bottom housing impacts the feel and sound when the key is pressed down completely, both switches will deliver that deeper and rounder sound profile associated with nylon. This shared material helps unify the switches' performances, ensuring that while the top housing produces distinct sound characteristics, the bottom has a consistent impact in dampening sound feedback for both switches. The nylon bottom housing in both cases retains that classic softness, contributing positively to the overall tactile experience.
In summary, while the two switches exhibit contrasting materials in their top housing—nylon for the Deep Navy and polycarbonate for the Dustproof Purple—their bottom housings are identical. This convergence in material means that both switches will share similar auditory textures when fully depressed. The interplay between the differing top materials and the common bottom allows users to appreciate the unique properties of each switch while also experiencing a familiar base sound profile, thereby creating a hybrid auditory experience that bridges the gap between contrasting materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer the tactile feedback of a heavier key press. As a result, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Dustproof Purple is the heavier one, appealing to different user preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, a distinct difference can be observed. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Dustproof Purple features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. For users who seek faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Deep Navy may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback, providing a deeper, more deliberate keypress experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for speed versus depth in your typing experience.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is known for its rich and sharp sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This unique sound is enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a more refined acoustic performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch lacks a distinctive sound description, which suggests it might be more subdued or neutral in comparison. However, it's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can also be significantly influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, providing an effortless typing experience that appeals to both gamers and typists alike. This smoothness allows for comfortable, uninterrupted keystrokes. Conversely, the Dustproof Purple switch does not have any specified tactile characteristics outlined, leaving a gap in understanding its feel. Tactile switches typically offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, but without specific details, one can't ascertain how they compare in that regard.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out for its rich sound and smooth feel, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an enjoyable typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, while it lacks specific attributes in both sound and feel, could suffice for users who may not prioritize these elements as highly. Ultimately, users seeking a particular auditory and tactile experience may lean toward the Deep Navy, while those who are more flexible might find the Dustproof Purple satisfactory.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter key feel with a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easier to type for long periods, and the delightful sound profile enhances the tactile experience, making it especially suitable for avid typists, gamers, or those who enjoy a more fluid typing style. The silky smoothness of the Ly stem also adds to the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced resistance during typing, the Dustproof Purple's heavier 65-gram bottom-out force provides a solid tactile feedback that can be beneficial for typing accuracy and reducing accidental key presses. While it lacks the specialized qualities of the Deep Navy, it can still serve well for gamers who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. Thus, your selection should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, light experience or a tactile, heavier feel; each switch caters to different typing styles and can greatly influence your overall keyboard experience.
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