HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to the feel and sound that best suits individual preferences. The HMX Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes it an excellent option for users who prioritize a quiet yet responsive typing experience, ideal for both gaming and productivity. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch characterized by its distinct auditory feedback, providing tactile satisfaction with each press, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke experience. While the Deep Navy offers a seamless flow with minimal noise, the Milk Blue caters to those who thrive on the audible confirmation of their keystrokes. Both switches have unique advantages, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Milk Blue switches present distinct auditory experiences due to their differing top housing materials. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer, more absorbent qualities contribute to a sound that is rounded and less resonant. In contrast, the Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness generates a crisper, higher-pitched sound, lending itself to a clearer auditory output. This variance in top housing materials significantly influences not just the sound produced, but also the overall typing experience; users seeking a more subdued, muted sound may gravitate toward the Deep Navy, while those who prefer a bright, vibrant auditory feedback might lean towards the Outemu Milk Blue.

On the other hand, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Milk Blue utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in uniformity in sound and feel in this area. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the rounded characteristics that come with this material. This shared aspect ensures that, regardless of the differences in top housing, users will experience a consistent bottom-out feel and sound when typing on either switch. Therefore, while the top housing distinguishes their individual sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing creates a foundation of similarity that influences the tactile feedback during keystrokes.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings demonstrates how the unique qualities of each material can harmonize to create a comprehensive typing experience. When typing on the HMX Deep Navy, users benefit from the softer, muted sound from the nylon top housing, while still enjoying the fuller auditory depth contributed by the nylon bottom. Similarly, with the Outemu Milk Blue, the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing is enhanced by the familiar fullness from the nylon bottom housing. Consequently, while there are stark tonal differences attributable to their respective top housing materials, both switches manage to deliver enjoyable typing experiences through the synergy of their nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where comfort is key. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Regarding the bottom out force, the Deep Navy has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force remains unknown. The differences suggest that users looking for a lighter touch should lean towards the HMX Deep Navy, while those who favor a stronger push might find the Outemu Milk Blue more appealing. Overall, while the HMX Deep Navy offers a combination of lightness and defined bottoming out, the Outemu Milk Blue's heavier actuation introduces an alternative feel to the typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, offering a faster response time, which can be appealing for gamers seeking quick actions. In contrast, the Milk Blue with its longer 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback and a sense of depth in each keystroke. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Deep Navy could be advantageous; however, if you enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, the Milk Blue may be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp auditory profile, enhancing the aural experience of typing. This switch's full nylon construction contributes to its distinct sound characteristics, resulting in a more refined and consistent sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, while the Outemu Milk Blue switch does not have a specific sound profile provided, clicky switches typically produce a more pronounced and satisfying tactile sound upon activation. This characteristic can make them appealing for typists who enjoy auditory feedback, although the exact sound signature of the Milk Blue remains unspecified.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Deep Navy is renowned for its silky smoothness delivered through the Ly stem, which provides an exceptionally fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances comfort. Conversely, the Milk Blue, being a clicky switch, is likely to feature a distinct tactile bump in addition to the click sound, providing a clear feedback mechanism that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. This tactile feedback contrasts with the linear nature of the Deep Navy, which focuses on smooth actuation without any interruption.

Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch cater to different typing preferences. If you appreciate a smooth, quiet typing experience with clean sound, the Deep Navy is ideal. Conversely, if you enjoy pronounced auditory and tactile feedback with a clicky sensation, the Milk Blue may be more suitable despite the lack of a defined sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will largely depend on your personal preference in sound and feel, and while some qualities may vary, both switches can still deliver satisfying typing experiences in their own unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. With its light 45-gram bottom-out force and silky smooth feel, it's perfect for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. The rich sound profile adds to its charm, making it a delightful option for those who enjoy auditory feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you crave tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying click of each keystroke, the Milk Blue would suit you well. Although its specifications were not provided, clicky switches like the Milk Blue tend to offer a distinct sound and feel that many typists find enjoyable. Ultimately, if you prioritize quieter, smoother operation with a focus on speed, the Deep Navy is your go-to. Conversely, if you favor a more engaging and tactile experience, the Milk Blue won’t disappoint.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more