HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Purple present contrasting yet compelling options for different typing preferences. The HMX Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a linear switch and desire a quiet, seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple, characterized as a tactile switch, provides noticeable feedback with each keystroke, making it appealing for typists who appreciate the tactile bump that enhances their typing rhythm and accuracy. While the Deep Navy excels in smoothness and noise reduction, the Purple is favored for its satisfying tactile response and audible click, which many find engaging during typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 Purple switches, the most striking difference lies in the top housing composition. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller, rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing, prized for its stiffer nature that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate adds visual appeal, especially for users interested in RGB lighting effects, as it allows light to diffuse through beautifully.
While the top housing materials differ significantly, the bottom housings for both switches share a commonality. Both the Deep Navy and the Purple feature a nylon bottom housing. This similarity means that when typing, users will still experience a deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon regardless of the top housing material. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to the overall acoustic performance of the switch, ensuring that while the character of the sound changes with each top housing, the foundational qualities remain rooted in the nylon bottom. This consistent bottom housing allows for a smooth typing experience that is enriched by the sonic properties of nylon.
In summary, the comparison between the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Purple highlights a clear distinction in top housing materials while maintaining consistency in the bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Deep Navy creates a more muted acoustic environment, while the polycarbonate top of the Purple delivers a sharp, resonant sound. Nonetheless, with both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, they offer similar tactile feedback and depth in sound when pressed down, equating the user experience in terms of bottom-out feel. The nuances of each switch are then rooted in their contrasting top materials, allowing for varied yet complementary typing experiences across different settings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, a notable difference in actuation force is evident. The Deep Navy features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, while the Outemu Purple has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Deep Navy more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for more extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Deep Navy has a clear measurement at 45 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unspecified. Consequently, this means that the Deep Navy provides a more comprehensive understanding of its overall feel during use, while potential users of the Purple switch lack complete information regarding its bottoming out experience. Overall, those who enjoy a lighter, smoother typing experience might lean towards the Deep Navy, whereas those looking for more resistance and a denser feel might favor the Outemu Purple, despite the unknowns surrounding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter movements can lead to quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, with its longer 4.0 mm travel, caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced key depth, providing a more tactile feedback that some may find more satisfying. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Deep Navy would be the better choice, whereas the Purple would appeal to those who prefer a "hearty" feel when typing or gaming.
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 Purple 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
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch boasts a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction, which lends a distinct acoustic character to each keystroke. This switch delivers a smooth auditory experience that many users find satisfying, creating an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a detailed sound description provided, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat undetermined. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound of either switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material used, which will contribute to the final auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smoothness, offering an enjoyable typing experience without any tactile bumps to interrupt the flow. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch, being a tactile switch, is expected to deliver a noticeable bump during actuation, providing feedback that can enhance typing accuracy for users who appreciate this characteristic. Without specific descriptions of the Purple's feel, it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but tactile switches typically aim for a different experience compared to linear ones.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by its sharp sound profile and smooth feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a linear experience. The Outemu Purple, with its tactile nature, may appeal to users who prefer feedback during typing, although its sound profile remains unspecified. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both switches can provide satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and quiet experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent option due to its light bottom-out force of 45 grams, allowing for a very fluid keystroke without feeling overly taxing on your fingers. The distinctive sharp sound profile and silky smoothness of the Deep Navy make it perfect for those who enjoy a subtly pleasant auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback to help with your typing accuracy and enjoy a more traditional feel, the Outemu Purple switch may suit you better. While specific sound and feel descriptors were not provided for the Purple, tactile switches typically offer a palpable bump that can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who spend long hours on the keyboard or engage in typing-heavy tasks. Ultimately, consider your primary uses—smooth linear travel with the Deep Navy or tactile feedback with the Purple—to guide your decision. Both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences in sound, feel, and performance.
Mentioned in this article
