HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves torn between options that cater to different typing preferences and use cases. The HMX Deep Navy switches, revered for their full nylon construction, offer a rich and sharp sound profile that enhances the tactile experience while providing silky smooth keystrokes, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and premium build quality. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches stand out with their lightweight design and muted operation, appealing to linear switch enthusiasts who prefer a feather-light typing experience without the distraction of noise. While both switches fall within the linear category, the Deep Navy prioritizes a more immersive typing experience, while the Peach emphasizes subtlety and ease of use. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When considering the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Peach switches, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon in their construction for both the top and bottom housings. This common choice of material leads to similar acoustic properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon, characterized by its softer texture, promotes sound absorption that can create a rounder sound, contrasting with switches made from harder plastics. Therefore, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Peach will provide users with a muted auditory experience, driven by the inherent properties of nylon.
Diving deeper into the structure of these switches, it's crucial to highlight that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, thereby ensuring uniformity in performance and sound quality. Since the bottom housing tends to influence the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback while the top housing affects the sound during release, both switches can yield an overall cohesive experience in terms of typing feel and sound. With both switches employing nylon in these critical components, users can expect a satisfying consistency across both models, further enhancing their typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
While the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Peach are similar in that they both feature nylon housing, the impact of the individual components still plays a role in the overall experience. Each switch may also differ in other aspects, such as actuation force or tactile feedback, which may influence user preference. Nevertheless, since both switches share the same fundamental material composition, they will likely offer similar auditory results. Thus, for those looking for a consistent sound profile and feel, both the Deep Navy and Peach switches will meet those needs effectively.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, both display an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience a comparable keystroke activation ease with both switches. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Deep Navy has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Peach's bottom out force is 50 grams. This means that although both switches are considered light, the Peach requires a slightly heavier push to bottom out, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer. Ultimately, for those who favor a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, while users looking for a bit more resistance in their keystrokes may appreciate the greater firmness of the Outemu Peach.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Peach linear switches, there is a notable difference between the two. The HMX Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Peach has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Peach the more responsive option, catering well to gamers who value quick key presses and faster response times. In contrast, the Deep Navy, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a deeper and more pronounced feel when typing, avoiding the abruptness associated with shorter distances. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding the depth and responsiveness of key presses, with the Deep Navy offering a more traditional experience and the Peach providing a quicker response.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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, thanks to its full nylon construction, which contributes to a distinct sound profile. This allows for a more pronounced feedback with each keypress, making it an engaging choice for users who enjoy a tactile auditory response. In contrast, the Outemu Peach linear switch leans towards a more muted sound signature. It falls into the neutral category with a soft and quiet profile, ideal for those who seek a typing experience that minimizes noise. The Peach’s silencing feature ensures that it won't disturb others around you, making it well-suited for both home and work environments.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch provides a feedback-rich typing experience that is often appreciated by those who prefer a more responsive touch with their keystrokes. The specific details of its feel are not provided, but the construction generally hints at a smooth linear travel. On the other hand, the Peach switch is characterized by its mild and subtle qualities, offering a gentle resistance that gives way to a light typing feel. It’s polished, which implies a well-refined finish leading to smooth key travel, ensuring a pleasant underwater experience. Its qualities are designed to be approachable, making it suitable for a broad range of users, from newcomers to seasoned typists.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Peach linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel within the linear switch category. The Deep Navy excels in delivering a vibrant and engaging typing sound, whereas the Peach prioritizes a softer, quieter experience perfect for shared environments. When considering feel, the Deep Navy likely offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Peach ensures a polished, smooth experience devoid of excessive noise, making it a delight for prolonged typing sessions. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you might find yourself leaning towards one or the other, but both switches will deliver satisfying linear experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch should hinge on your specific typing preferences and environments. If you value a light touch and a sound profile that’s rich and sharp, the Deep Navy may be your best bet, thanks to its 45-gram actuation force and silky-smooth keystrokes engineered from full nylon. This switch can offer an immersive typing experience that stands out, especially if you're creating content or gaming in a more personal space. On the other hand, if you're seeking a muted and more subtle experience that’s perfect for shared environments, the Outemu Peach, with its slightly heavier 50-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. Its feathery light typing feel combined with a neutral sound profile ensures that you can type away without disturbing others, making it ideal for office settings or communal spaces. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prefer a lively tactile experience or a muted, polished performance, so consider your surroundings and the type of tasks you’ll be doing most often.