HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options, with the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Gold standing out for their distinct characteristics. The Deep Navy switch, known for its linear feel, offers a smooth typing experience characterized by a richness in sound and precision, thanks to its full nylon construction and the silky Ly stem that enhances keystroke fluidity. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and quiet operation, ideal for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, designed to provide a tactile and audible feedback that many typists enjoy for its engaging interaction and satisfying sound profile. This switch caters to users who appreciate a traditional keyboard feel, making it a popular option for typists seeking that nostalgic, clicky response. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness and subtlety versus a pronounced tactile experience—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Gold switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which results in distinct auditory experiences when typing. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Gold incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound. This differentiation in materials stems from the inherent properties of nylon and polycarbonate: the former is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a mellower auditory experience, while the latter is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and brightness. Consequently, users can expect pronounced contrasts in sound profiles, closely reflecting the characteristics of the material used in the top housing.

On the other hand, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Gold share the nylon material for their bottom housings. This consistency in material choice results in similar performance characteristics regarding sound and feel when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound signature of both switches, ensuring that the bottoming-out experience remains uniform despite the contrasting top housings. Thus, while the upper housing's material influences the overall sound perception differently, the bottom housing as a common element provides a grounding factor that aligns the user experience in terms of its auditory feedback.

In summary, the interplay between the differing top housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Gold creates a unique typing experience defined by sound distinction, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the fundamental key feel remains consistent. Users who value a more pronounced sound may prefer the Outemu Gold for its crisper profile, whereas those seeking a more subdued auditory experience might gravitate toward the Deep Navy. However, those who appreciate the richness brought by nylon in the bottom housing will find both switches deliver satisfiable results, allowing for a cohesive experience that merges varying auditory qualities with a stable foundational feel.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there is a notable difference in both the actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. Consequently, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Outemu Gold is the heavier choice. Those who appreciate a lighter touch for prolonged use will likely gravitate towards the Deep Navy, whereas users seeking a firmer push may favor the Outemu Gold. Overall, these differences in force provide distinct benefits depending on the user’s typing preferences and usage scenarios.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's clear that there is a difference between the two. The Deep Navy boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, which could be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold’s longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel during keystrokes, which some users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch is renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, producing a deeper, more resonant tone that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Its full nylon construction contributes to a more immersive auditory experience, making each keystroke feel pronounced. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a defined sound profile, which may leave some users wanting more auditory feedback compared to the Deep Navy. It's important to remember that the sound produced by both switches can significantly vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences play a crucial role in the overall experience.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch excels with its silky smoothness that is characteristic of linear switches, allowing for uninterrupted key presses without tactile bumps or audible clicks. This quality makes it a favorite among gamers and typists who prefer effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch’s lack of a distinct feel description suggests a less defined tactile experience, potentially leading to less overall satisfaction for those who wish for the feedback normally associated with clicky switches. This distinction highlights the importance of personal preference when selecting the right switch type based on tactile feel.

In summary, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its rich sound profile and silky smoothness that caters to users seeking a refined typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not provide the same level of auditory feedback or tactile satisfaction, which might be a consideration for newcomers deciding on their ideal mechanical switch. Ultimately, both offerings provide distinct experiences, and choosing between them will hinge on whether you value a deep and immersive sound along with a smooth key feel, or if you prefer a more basic approach that may still satisfy your typing needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a lighter actuation and prefer a smooth, quiet keystroke experience, the Deep Navy with its 45-gram bottom-out force is an ideal choice, especially for lengthy typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. Its rich sound profile nicely complements the tactile feel, enhancing your overall typing comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional typing experience that features distinct auditory feedback, the Gold switch is the way to go with its 60-gram resistance. This medium force can provide a satisfying tactile response, making it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy the clicky sound and feel with each keystroke. In essence, consider what matters most to you—silky smooth and quieter operation with the Deep Navy or a firmer, more pronounced tactile sensation with the Gold—as both switches cater to different typing experiences and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more