HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Silent Green

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinctive characteristics of various options to match their typing preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch emphasizes a quieter operation without sacrificing linear smoothness, which can be appealing for those who prefer less noise in shared workspaces or during late-night typing sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages tailored to different user needs—whether you're immersing yourself in gaming or working in a professional environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Silent Green switches utilize contrasting housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy features a nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound, producing a rounder and less harsh auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances clarity, creating a crisper and more resonant sound that stands out when engaged with RGB lighting due to its translucency.

When comparing the nylon bottom housing of the Deep Navy to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green, notable distinctions emerge in their tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics. The nylon material, known for its softness, allows for a more muted bottom-out sound, contributing to an overall quieter typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green maintains a more pronounced acoustic signature, affecting the bottom-out feel and sound. This difference exemplifies how bottom housing materials contribute to the impact felt when keys are pressed down, demonstrating how nylon’s absorption contrasts with polycarbonate’s resonant nature.

Despite the stark differences in housing materials, users can achieve specific results depending on how they engage with each switch type. If one prefers a softer sound profile, the Deep Navy’s nylon housings will deliver a more subdued typing experience. However, for those who favor a sharper and more vibrant sound, the Silent Green’s polycarbonate construction will undoubtedly fulfill that preference. Ultimately, even within their contrasting designs, both switches necessitate understanding each housing material's influence granularly—while the Deep Navy edges towards a fuller sound, the Silent Green leans into a crisp auditory clarity. Thus, type preference can be achieved based on the characteristics dictated by the different housing materials used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we see distinct differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Deep Navy switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a quick and effortless typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Green switch presents a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists might find more satisfying. As a result, while users of the Deep Navy are likely to experience less fatigue due to the lighter forces, those opting for the Silent Green will appreciate the additional resistance, which contributes to a more robust typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preference—especially concerning the weight of the switches, with the Deep Navy being lighter and the Silent Green being heavier.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Deep Navy measures at 3.6 mm, while the Silent Green has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as shorter travel distances often allow for faster actuation. Conversely, the Silent Green, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile and measured experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp audio profile. The construction, featuring full nylon materials, contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. While the specific sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent Green switch aren’t detailed, it’s important to note that this switch is designed to minimize noise, which can be a significant factor for users looking for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the Deep Navy's vibrant sound might be ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Silent Green caters to those in need of discretion.

In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, which enhances the typing experience by providing a consistent and pleasurable keystroke with each press. The design features a Ly stem, which is specifically engineered to reduce friction, yielding a fluid typing motion. On the other hand, the sensory feedback or tactile quality of the Silent Green switch remains unclear, leaving its overall feel less defined. Therefore, users may find the Deep Navy particularly satisfying for extended typing sessions, while the Silent Green's feel would require personal testing to gauge its appeal.

In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich sound profile and a notably smooth typing feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch remains an enigma due to the lack of detailed information. If you're seeking an engaging auditory experience paired with a silky feel, the Deep Navy is a solid choice. However, for those prioritizing a quieter operation, the Silent Green may prove to be an effective albeit less defined alternative. Each switch has its unique qualities, and the best option ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, your specific typing preferences and environment will be crucial factors. If you enjoy a lighter touch and prioritize a richer audio experience, the Deep Navy switches with their 45-gram bottom-out force will be your ideal choice. Their silky smooth feel, combined with a sharp sound profile, makes every keystroke an immersive experience, perfect for both gaming and typing scenarios where auditory feedback enhances your interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a 60-gram bottom-out force, the Silent Green switches will serve you well, particularly in quieter environments or shared spaces where minimizing sound is important. While less known for their unique characteristics, they provide a solid medium feel that can be more rewarding for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience without audible distractions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only how you intend to use your keyboard but also your preferred sensory feedback in terms of sound and tactile response.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more