HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Red both present compelling options for gamers and typists alike, despite their similarities as linear switches. The Deep Navy stands out with its full nylon construction and a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances the tactile experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke thanks to its innovative Ly stem. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red is designed for those seeking minimal resistance and silent operation, making it a suitable choice for quieter environments or extended typing sessions. While the Deep Navy offers a unique auditory richness, the Dustproof Red excels in delivering a clean and unobtrusive experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Red switches showcase distinct qualities in their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate leading to markedly different sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Deep Navy is lauded for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. This quality ensures that sound waves are absorbed more effectively, leading to a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing introduces a sharper and clearer sound profile. This distinction arises from polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which allows for more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a crisp typing experience, particularly in RGB lighting setups where the translucency of the material showcases the lighting effects.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which leads to a consistency in the sound experience when bottoming out. The Deep Navy, with its nylon bottom housing, produces the same deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer characteristics are crucial in absorbing sound and providing a more subdued auditory feedback. The Outemu Dustproof Red, employing nylon for its bottom housing as well, reinforces this feeling of depth and cushioned feedback when keys are pressed down. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly in terms of sound output, the identical nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a shared experience where the typist can expect a similar acoustic reward upon key activation.
Ultimately, the combined effects of each switch's housing materials create a unique typing experience. With the Deep Navy's nylon top and bottom providing a cohesive deep sound profile, and the Dustproof Red balancing its resonant top housing with a similarly soft bottom, users will get varied auditory sensations based on how the sound materials affect key performance differently. The nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a substantive and rounded acoustic feedback upon actuation. However, the contrast in upper housing materials introduces an interesting dimension, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their specific sound preferences and overall typing enjoyment. Whether one prefers the deeper tones of the Deep Navy or the crisper tones of the Dustproof Red, each material plays a pivotal role in shaping the tactile experience when using these keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch 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 extended typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and an even more pronounced bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel during their typing experience. While the Deep Navy is overall lighter, providing a smoother experience, the Dustproof Red presents a medium level of resistance that might appeal to typists seeking more feedback. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding the balance of lightness versus the substantial feel in keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy offers a shorter travel distance by 0.4 mm compared to the Dustproof Red, which aligns with the growing trend among gamers who often favor shorter distances for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a feel that is less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus key depth.
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 Red 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 switch stands out with its rich and sharp sound profile, making it a delightful experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This sound is enhanced by its full nylon construction, which likely contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch does not have a defined sound characteristic, leaving some ambiguity regarding its acoustic profile. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that even the Dustproof Red may produce unique sounds in different setups.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch offers a silky smoothness with each keystroke, providing a pleasant tactile sensation that can enhance typing and gaming experiences alike. The smoothness is particularly appealing to users who prefer a seamless action without the interruption caused by tactile bumps. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch are unfortunately unknown, which could lead to a less-informed decision for newcomers who prioritize tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Considering all the available information, if you are looking for a satisfying sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy switch would be an excellent choice thanks to its rich sound and silky feel. The Outemu Dustproof Red switch leaves more to be desired in terms of defining qualities, particularly concerning both sound and feel. If sound character is vital to you, the Deep Navy will deliver a more engaging experience, while the Dustproof Red may not provide sufficient sensory feedback to some users. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend greatly on your personal preferences and how much you value these specific qualities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you intend to use your keyboard. If you favor a lighter actuation force and enjoy a richer acoustic experience, then the Deep Navy switch, with its 45-gram bottom out force, will offer you a silky smooth typing feel and a captivating sound profile thanks to its unique nylon construction. This makes it a fantastic option for long typing sessions or if you appreciate the tactile feedback of a well-crafted switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance while typing or gaming, the Dustproof Red switch, with a 60-gram bottom out force, could be more suited to your needs. While it may lack the robust sound characteristics of the Deep Navy, its build is still reliable for a variety of tasks. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize sound experience and feedback or a firmer feel when making your selection, as both switches cater to different preferences and use cases.
Mentioned in this article
