HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, and two popular choices are the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Piano, both linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The HMX Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, combined with a full nylon construction that ensures durability, while the Ly stem provides a silky smoothness with each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are crafted from a proprietary material blend that delivers an exceptionally pleasant typing experience, marked by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This combination of traits makes them appealing for users seeking a more subdued yet enjoyable auditory feedback. While both switches offer a linear action that minimizes key resistance without tactile bumps, their differing sound profiles and build materials cater to distinct preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Piano switches exhibit both similarities and differences, fundamentally influencing their sound profiles and tactile feedback during use. The Deep Navy employs a classic nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary blend of POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. Although the exact composition of this blend remains undisclosed, it is noted to provide a satisfying and deep sound profile, theoretically offering a contrasting auditory experience to the nylon used in the Deep Navy.
While both the Deep Navy and Durock Piano are designed to produce rich sound profiles, their materials contribute differently to tactile feedback and sound characteristics when a key is pressed or released. For the Deep Navy, the nylon bottom housing is significant in determining the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, capturing the softer essence of the material. Conversely, the Durock Piano's POM blend, being a relatively harder plastic, likely influences the bottom-out and overall auditory experience as well, albeit with a distinct clarity and precision. Thus, while both switches may ultimately deliver satisfying sound profiles, the materials each brand employs lead to nuanced differences in tactile feedback and sound resonance.
The distinct housing materials ultimately reveal how the qualities associated with nylon and POM influence the switches' overall performance, yet they may still yield similar results in auditory satisfaction. The softness of the nylon in the Deep Navy allows for a warmer sound, while the Durock Piano's POM blend may produce a clearer, more precise sound profile. Both switches leverage their respective materials to ensure that the sound experienced upon pressing or releasing a key is notable, providing gratifying auditory feedback. Hence, while the materials differ, the resulting satisfaction and deep sound profiles remain central to the experience of both the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Piano switches, showcasing how diverse materials can lead to varied yet enjoyable keyboard experiences.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch, ideal for users who prefer a softer key feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has an unspecified actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a more medium-heavy feel that caters to those who appreciate a firmer push during use. This difference in bottom out forces particularly highlights that the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Durock Piano offers a heftier resistance, suggesting that users seeking a more robust typing experience would likely favor the latter. Since the actuation force for the Piano is unknown, it is not possible to draw a direct comparison in that regard, but if it were found to be similar to the Deep Navy's 40 grams, one could expect comparable typing results. Overall, these differences underscore the importance of choosing a switch that aligns with individual preferences for typing feedback and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Deep Navy switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Piano switch offers a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Deep Navy provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness, as the reduced distance can lead to quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's longer travel distance may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, providing a sense of depth with each keystroke. Therefore, if you value speed and immediate feedback, the Deep Navy would be the ideal choice, while the Piano is better suited for individuals seeking a more traditional and satisfying typing experience.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 is renowned for its rich and sharp audio profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. This design allows for a distinct auditory experience that many find satisfying and immersive. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its deep, creamy sound signature, often described as bassy. This lower frequency tone delivers a deep and rich sound during key presses, enhancing the overall typing experience. The auditory characteristics of both switches are pleasing but differ significantly; the Deep Navy offers a sharper note while the Piano provides a more resonant bass depth, contributing to their unique sound signatures.
Regarding the feel, the Deep Navy linear switch provides a smooth typing experience, though specific details about its tactile response are less defined. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches shine with their frictionless and silky qualities. This means that the Piano switches create an effortless experience with minimal resistance, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The silky nature of the Piano further enhances this fluid feel, making them particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. The tactile feedback of both switches aims for smoothness, but the Pianos distinctly emphasize a gliding sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Piano linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Deep Navy is known for its rich, sharp sound and smooth feel, the Durock Piano stands out with its deep, creamy sound and frictionless, silky typing experience. Though you may achieve similar results in smoothness with the Deep Navy, the distinct sound profiles and specific tactile experiences of each switch differentiate them substantially. Personal preference will ultimately guide a newcomer in choosing the right switch for their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between HMX Deep Navy linear switches and Durock Piano linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the auditory experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter feel and are drawn to a rich, sharp sound profile with a silky smooth keystroke, then the Deep Navy switches will likely enhance your typing experience. They are particularly suited for those who favor a less resistant touch and a more engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial force on your key presses and appreciate a deeper, creamier sound signature that feels gliding and frictionless, then the Durock Piano switches are the way to go. Their medium-heavy actuation will provide the stability you might want for prolonged typing sessions while still delivering a smooth and satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style, auditory preferences, and comfort level with switch actuation force.
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