HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Spring Breeze

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences for users based on their unique characteristics. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its rich sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless experience without audible feedback, allowing for fast, uninterrupted typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, categorized as a clicky switch, delivers a tactile and audible response with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy feedback and prefer the classic sound of typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on smoothness and quiet operation and the other on tactile engagement—individual needs vary greatly when selecting the right switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Spring Breeze share a striking similarity in their housing materials, both employing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon contributes to their sound profiles, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. The inherent properties of nylon—a softer plastic compared to other materials—enable it to absorb sound effectively. As a result, when typing on either switch, users can expect a sound that is dully resonant and rounded, diminishing the sharper, clackier noises commonly associated with harder plastics. This shared characteristic emphasizes the manufacturers' commitment to delivering a satisfying auditory experience, regardless of the specific model.

In terms of the impact of these materials on performance, both the Deep Navy and Spring Breeze allow for an enjoyable typing feel. While both use nylon in their housings, it's important to note how the qualities of each housing type manifest during use. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when keys are fully pressed, while the top housing primarily affects the sound experienced when releasing the key. Consequently, users might find that their overall experience remains consistently pleasurable due to the similar sound absorption characteristics inherent in nylon across both switches.

Despite the shared material properties, there may still be unique distinctions in the user experience depending on the specific design and tuning of the switches. Although both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon to create a satisfying auditory and tactile profile, other design elements, such as spring stiffness or stem configuration, could affect overall feedback and responsiveness. However, with both switches leading with nylon housing, users can anticipate a significantly similar auditory experience that focuses on depth and warmth, marking both models as excellent choices for those seeking a classic, enjoyable typing sound.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them feel similarly responsive when triggering a keystroke. However, there is a notable difference in their bottom out forces; the Deep Navy has a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Spring Breeze requires a heavier 55 grams to bottom out. This difference means that while both switches provide a light actuation experience, the Deep Navy switch is lighter overall as it requires less force to fully press down. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or long gaming sessions, the HMX Deep Navy would be the more suitable option, while those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Outemu Spring Breeze due to its greater bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's clear that the Deep Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze measures at 4 mm. This makes the Outemu Spring Breeze the longer option, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and hearty feel when pressing keys. The Deep Navy's shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times, allowing for quicker key presses and potentially enhancing gameplay. However, for individuals who find shorter distances too abrupt, the Spring Breeze's longer travel might provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch delivers a rich and sharp audio profile that enhances the typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction. Users can expect a smooth and almost muted sound, typical of linear switches, which makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience, though specific details about its sound profile are not provided. However, clicky switches generally deliver a satisfying and noticeable "click" sound that provides auditory feedback with each keystroke, making them appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic typing atmosphere.

When discussing feel, the Deep Navy switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, ensuring that every keystroke glides effortlessly without tactile bumps or resistance. This fluid action makes it highly suitable for rapid typing or gaming sessions where speed is essential. On the other hand, the feel of the Spring Breeze clicky switch is not specified, but typically, clicky switches involve a tactile bump that users can feel at the actuation point, along with the accompanying click sound. This tactile feedback can be motivating for users who appreciate a more engaging interaction with their keyboard.

In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a smooth and quieter experience, making it perfect for those who favor a more subdued yet refined sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Outemu Spring Breeze is likely to provide a more vivid auditory and tactile experience, catering to users who enjoy the unmistakable feedback of clicky switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as these switches represent two distinct approaches to mechanical keyboard design.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experiences you seek. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, silent typing experience, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for long typing sessions where comfort and low fatigue are priorities. You’ll also get to enjoy its rich sound profile and silky feel, which can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a seamless keystroke. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory response to your keystrokes, the Spring Breeze switch may be more suitable for you. Its medium-light actuation force provides a satisfying click that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming, making it an engaging option if you want to feel a sense of responsiveness with each press. Ultimately, assess your typing style and what brings you joy in your mechanical keyboard experience, and you’ll be better equipped to choose the switch that fits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more