HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Green offer distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its immersive and rich sound profile, created with a full nylon construction that enhances durability. Its design embodies a silky smoothness with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who crave a quieter, uninterrupted experience devoid of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that delivers an audible and tactile response, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience and the satisfying sound of each keypress. While the Deep Navy excels in smoothness and sound, the Green switch caters to users who prefer engagement and feedback during their typing sessions. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
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 Green, notable differences arise, particularly with the top housing. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which can absorb sound waves effectively, leading to a duller but more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green employs a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer structure of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, providing a crisper sound when typing. Therefore, when considering the auditory feedback of these two switches, one can expect the HMX Deep Navy to deliver a more muted and warmer sound, while the Outemu Green will be brighter and more pronounced.
Examining the bottom housing reveals that both the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Green share a commonality; they both utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This consistency results in a deeper, fuller sound profile for both switches during bottom-out moments. As nylon is a classic choice for switch housing, its ability to absorb sound contributes to a quiet and cushioned tactile experience when pressing the keys. Thus, while the top housings diverge in material and acoustic impact, the shared nylon composition in the bottom housing means that users can expect a similar auditory and tactile experience in the lower range of key presses for both switches.
Overall, the sensory experience of using the Deep Navy and the Outemu Green switches is a tale of contrasts and similarities. The differences in the top housing materials play a pivotal role in defining the overall sound profiles, with the nylon of the Deep Navy emphasizing warmth and depth and the polycarbonate of the Outemu Green leaning toward brightness and clarity. However, the unification in nylon's use in the bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience during key presses. For users seeking a blend of auditory and sensation feedback, these distinctive qualities can ultimately lead to tailored preferences, whether one prioritizes sound or feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, there is a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy has a light actuation force of 40 grams, with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming without finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that many users might prefer for its tactile feedback. This means that the Deep Navy is not only lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, but it also caters to users looking for a softer keystroke. Conversely, the heavier Outemu Green may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer push, making the two switches quite distinct in their tactile responses and user experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, there is a notable difference. The Deep Navy switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the HMX Deep Navy the shorter option, which may provide a more responsive feel for gamers or those who prefer quicker keypresses. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a deeper keypress for a more tactile and robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key feel.
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 Green 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 auditory experience, contributing to a satisfying acoustic profile with each keystroke. This unique sound is enhanced by its full nylon construction, which can help to dampen vibrations and provide a more resonant tone. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is characterized by its clicky feedback, which produces a pronounced auditory response upon actuation. This click sound can be quite appealing to typists who enjoy audible confirmation with their keystrokes. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience will still depend on other factors, such as the type of keyboard plate and keycap material chosen.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is appreciated for its silky smoothness, which allows for a fluid typing experience without any tactile bumps. This linear design means an uninterrupted key travel from top to bottom, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more seamless action while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch provides a more tactile experience with its click mechanism, giving users pronounced feedback during keypresses. This tactile sensation can help users feel more in control and can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy the extra feedback that comes with each activation.
Overall, if you're choosing between the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Green switch, you'll find that they cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy excels in delivering a smooth and rich sound, paired with an effortless feel that prioritizes speed and comfort. In contrast, the Outemu Green's clicky feedback may appeal more to those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience, with distinct auditory and tactile cues. Depending on your typing style and preferences, either switch can provide a rewarding experience, leading to satisfying results in your daily use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke and a more subdued acoustic profile, the Deep Navy, with its 45 grams of actuation force and silky feel, would be ideal for both typing and gaming. Its rich sound produces a satisfying but less intrusive noise, making it great for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier actuation force and the distinct tactile feedback that comes with a clicky switch, the Outemu Green, requiring 80 grams of force, will provide that satisfying resistance and audible click that many typists love. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience and appreciate a clear sound that enhances the feeling of each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or heaviness and tactile feedback in your typing experience.
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