HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options based on their unique characteristics, and two notable contenders are the HMX Deep Navy switch and the Outemu Tom switch. The HMX Deep Navy, celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, boasts a full nylon construction and a Ly stem that provides a silky smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch, known for its tactile feedback, offers a satisfying bump at the actuation point, appealing to typists who appreciate the physical response that helps to improve typing accuracy and prevent accidental key presses. Each switch brings its own advantages depending on your preferences, whether you lean towards a smooth and serene typing experience or enjoy the tactile sensation that enhances your interaction with the keyboard. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Tom in terms of housing materials, there are notable differences, particularly in the materials used for their top housings. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which some typists might prefer for its muted resonance. In contrast, the Outemu Tom utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that inherently provides a different auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate generates a clearer and crisper sound, giving typists a sharper and higher-pitched feedback. The aesthetic appeal of the Tom's clear polycarbonate housing also plays a role, particularly for users who favor RGB lighting, as the translucency enhances the visual effects.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches employ the same material—nylon. This shared characteristic means that users will experience a similar sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing absorbed sound in a way that creates that fuller bottom-out feel, providing a consistent tactile experience across both switches. Regardless of the differences in the top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing maintains a degree of similarity in terms of how the overall typing experience feels and sounds when the key is pressed down. This contributes to a focused and harmonious interaction between the switches, combining the best characteristics of both materials, especially during a complete key press.
Ultimately, the interaction of the different housing materials provides distinct benefits while still allowing for harmonization in the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches share a common sound quality when pressed down, enriching the deeper undertones. Meanwhile, the top housings diverge in character—the Deep Navy emphasizes warmth and depth from the nylon, while the Outemu Tom offers crisp clarity with its polycarbonate design. This contrast allows typists to choose between a more muted and rounded auditory experience or a sharper and more resonant sound, while still enjoying consistent performance thanks to the familiar properties of the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Deep Navy features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for those who type for extended periods, as it reduces finger fatigue during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Tom has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push feel. This difference positions the Deep Navy as the lighter option, while the Tom is the heavier switch. Additionally, the Deep Navy has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which provides a clear indication of the pressure needed when pressing the key completely down. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Tom is unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares in that regard. Overall, if you appreciate a lighter and easier typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback may lean towards the Outemu Tom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the differences are notable. The Deep Navy has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tom features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that for users who prioritize responsiveness, the Outemu Tom may be the better choice, as its shorter travel distance can lead to quicker actuation and a more immediate reaction, especially beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel may gravitate towards the HMX Deep Navy, which offers a more substantial depth at 3.6 mm. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness, with the Deep Navy providing a heartier depth and the Tom enabling a snappier 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 Tom 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. Users can expect a polished acoustics experience that enhances the overall feel of typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a specified sound characteristic available for comparison. This absence of detail means that its auditory feedback remains ambiguous, though it’s important to note that sound can be influenced significantly by the keyboard's build and keycap choices.
When considering the feel, the Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, ensuring a seamless typing experience without any resistance or scratchiness. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a fluid typing sensation. Conversely, the Outemu Tom switch lacks detailed descriptions regarding its tactile feel, leaving uncertainty about how it may fare in comparison to the Deep Navy switch. Generally speaking, tactile switches are expected to provide some level of feedback, but without specific attributes given, it’s hard to gauge how the Tom performs in this regard.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch excels in delivering a rich sound and a smooth typing feel, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing auditory satisfaction and seamless keystrokes. The Outemu Tom tactile switch, however, lacks extensive information about its sound and feel qualities, which may leave potential users seeking more clarity before making a decision. Overall, if you choose the Deep Navy, you will have a rewarding experience both in sound and tactility, while those considering the Tom may need to explore further to understand its unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you desire a smooth and quiet experience with a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams that allows for rapid keystrokes and fluid motion, the Deep Navy is an excellent option. Its full nylon construction contributes to a rich sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for gaming or long typing sessions where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfaction of feeling each key press without sacrificing control, you may find the Outemu Tom switch more appealing—especially if you're looking for a switch that provides clear tactile bumps to help you gauge key actuation. While the details on the Tom's bottom-out force and sound characteristics are unavailable, its design typically caters to users who appreciate a more engaged typing experience. Ultimately, it's essential to consider how you plan to use your keyboard: choose the Deep Navy for smooth, rapid execution or the Tom for a more tactile interaction with your typing.
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