HMX Deep Navy vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Sakura can greatly influence your typing experience. The Deep Navy switch is renowned for its immersive, crisp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch caters to those who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback while gaming or typing, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a satisfying click. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch delivers a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, designed for comfort during extended typing sessions. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize a soft feel and quieter operation, making it an excellent option for professionals or casual typists who spend hours at 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
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Sakura both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, contributing to a similar auditory experience when typing on their respective switches. The characteristics of nylon enable a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This resonates with users who appreciate a muted and rounder auditory feedback as they type, emphasizing comfort and sound dampening. Since both switches share the same bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent bottom-out feel and sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize acoustics in their typing experience.
However, the top housings of the two switches showcase differences that set them apart in terms of performance and feel. The Deep Navy incorporates traditional nylon, which still provides that classic sound profile, whereas the Sakura utilizes POK material. POK, known for its smoothness and durability, is remarkably strong and offers superior shock resistance compared to nylon. This difference in material can affect the overall tactile feedback a user feels when pressing the keys. While both materials result in a satisfactory typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy may lean towards a more classic, muted output, while the Sakura's POK material introduces a unique, clacky sound profile that caters to enthusiasts who desire a more pronounced auditory response.
In terms of wear resistance and long-term durability, the Huano Sakura’s POK material clearly outshines the Deep Navy's nylon, promising a longer lifespan for the switch. While both designs take advantage of nylon for the bottom housings and the same fulfilling sound characteristics, the distinctive qualities brought by POK in the top housing of the Sakura translate to a smoother and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, users choosing between these two switches will find that despite their similarities in the bottom housing, the type of material used for the top housing plays a pivotal role in crafting a unique typing sensation influenced by personal preference in acoustics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, with an identical bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the Deep Navy requires a slightly heavier force to actuate compared to the Sakura. Consequently, the Sakura may be more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Deep Navy, with its heavier actuation force, offers a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push. Overall, if you're looking for responsiveness with less effort, the Sakura might be the better option, whereas the Deep Navy may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same for both switches. As a result, users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on the keys, contributing to a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used. This similarity in travel distance may lead to comparable performance in terms of actuation and overall key feel, making either switch a viable choice for those who prefer a linear switch with a standard travel distance.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 is renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, providing a full-bodied auditory experience with every keystroke. The switch’s construction, which utilizes a durable nylon casing, contributes to this pronounced acoustics, lending it a crisp quality that can be quite satisfying in a typing environment. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by medium acoustics, offering a feather-light touch that is perfectly suited for extended typing sessions. Though it may not have the same sharpness as the Deep Navy, the Sakura’s sound profile strikes a balance that most users find comfortable, making it less fatiguing for prolonged use.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch delivers a silky smoothness across its travel, benefiting greatly from the Ly stem design that ensures each keypress feels effortless and uninterrupted. This quality allows for fast typing with minimal resistance, promoting a highly fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch also provides a light touch, making it easy to engage keys without much effort. While both switches prioritize a smooth keystroke, the Deep Navy may feel slightly more defined, whereas the Sakura leans towards an almost airy sensation, making it appealing for those who prefer a more delicate touch.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Huano Sakura linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy’s rich sound and silky feel provide an immersive typing experience, while the Sakura’s medium acoustics and feather-light touch make it an excellent choice for extended usage. While they differ in their sound profiles and tactile experiences, users can expect smooth keystrokes from both, making either switch a great option depending on your typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your specific typing needs and preferences will play a significant role. If you value a richer sound profile and feel that enhances your typing experience, the Deep Navy's construction and smoothness may be more suitable for you. It offers a distinct auditory feedback that can make each keystroke feel satisfying, making it a great choice if you enjoy the sound as much as the feel. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes comfort during long typing sessions, the Sakura's feather-light touch with its medium acoustics is ideal. Its design caters to those who prioritize ease and fatigue reduction while typing, especially over extended periods. Ultimately, if you want an engaging auditory experience to match a silky feel, go for the Deep Navy; however, if you need a reliable and comfortable switch for long days of typing, the Sakura would serve you better.
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