HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders are the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean. The Deep Navy switch stands out with its full nylon construction, offering not only durability but also a rich and sharp sound profile that adds an auditory experience to your typing. For those who enjoy a tactile and smooth keystroke, the Deep Navy, featuring the Ly stem, promises an enjoyable and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is designed with quiet operation in mind, making it the ideal choice for users who need a more subdued typing experience, be it for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches share the linear category, catering to those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, each has its unique advantages that cater to different preferences and environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean, a distinct contrast emerges in the choice of materials for the top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer texture. This yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material’s sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer than nylon. This stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance. Therefore, while both switches have unique sound characteristics, the Deep Navy offers a warmer acoustic experience due to its nylon top, whereas the Silent Ocean provides a brighter, more vibrant sound thanks to its polycarbonate composition.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean feature nylon, making them similar in this respect. The nylon bottom housing in both cases reinforces the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with this material. When pressed, the bottoms of both switches will deliver a similar bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, presenting the familiar qualities of nylon. This means that while the top housings differ and influence the overall acoustic experience, the shared nylon bottom housing will ensure that both switches retain a level of similarity in sound and feel. In this scenario, the bottom-out experience for both switches will evoke that characteristic rounded sound, thanks to the inherent properties of nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch results in unique yet overlapping auditory experiences. The Deep Navy's nylon top creates a deep and full tone, while the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top introduces a sharp and lively sound profile. However, given that both switches share the nylon bottom housing, the tactile and auditory feedback during actuation will converge, providing users with a familiar experience regardless of the differences in their upper components. Thus, the contrasting top housing materials create diverse tonal outputs while the nylon bottoms anchor the user experience towards a coherent sound profile, showcasing the nuanced interplay between material choices in mechanical switch design.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press down and bottom out. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, which some users may prefer for better tactile feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter option that facilitates longer usage without fatigue, the HMX Deep Navy switch is the way to go. Conversely, for users who appreciate the heft and push of a stronger switch, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is the better choice. Despite their similarities in actuation force, the differences in their weights and bottom out forces indicate that users will experience distinctly different sensations based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there's a notable difference: the Deep Navy switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ocean switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the option for those who prefer a more substantial key press and a hearty depth, ideal for users who enjoy a satisfying response without feeling too abrupt. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean might appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it advantageous for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches could hinge on personal preference regarding the balance between depth and responsiveness.
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 Silent Ocean 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 offers a rich and sharp auditory experience, characterized by its full nylon construction that contributes to its distinct acoustic profile. This switch provides a satisfying sound that can enhance the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more purposeful. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks a specific description of its sound profile, but it is designed to be silent, providing a quieter typing experience that may not be as engaging or notable as the Deep Navy in terms of auditory feedback. While the Deep Navy's sound allows users to immerse themselves in the typing rhythm, the Silent Ocean's muted presence caters to those who prefer a low-noise environment.
When examining the feel of these switches, the HMX Deep Navy is known for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile experience as you depress the keys. This quality makes it appealing to users who appreciate a fluid typing motion. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a detailed description of its feel, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. However, given its designation as a silent switch, it is reasonable to assume that it emphasizes smoothness as well, though potentially lacking the same level of engaging feedback that the Deep Navy offers.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch distinctly shines with its rich sound and silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, while primarily focused on providing a quiet typing experience, does not have as much defined character in terms of sound or tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver a smooth keystroke experience, but if sound and feel are top priorities, the Deep Navy is likely to be the more compelling option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, your decision should be guided by your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easier on your fingers during prolonged typing sessions, offering a rich sound profile that can enhance your tactile experience. In contrast, if you value a firmer press and prioritize a quieter environment, the 65-gram bottom-out force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable. While it may not have the same level of auditory satisfaction as the Deep Navy, its medium-heavy actuation can lend itself well to gaming or work scenarios where inadvertent key presses could be an issue, especially in dust-prone environments. Ultimately, by considering the balance of desired acoustics, tactile feedback, and weight preference, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing habits and workspace environment.
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