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HMX Deep Navy vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Sakura Pink represent two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike, both falling under the category of linear switches. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, crafted from full nylon for enhanced durability and a premium feel. They offer a satisfying experience for those who enjoy a more robust auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switches cater to those who prefer a feather-light touch, with an actuation force of only 35g, making them ideal for delicate typists who value a smooth, frictionless operation. The playful, poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap adds a unique charm to the typing experience, setting them apart from their sturdier counterparts. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your typing style and preference for sound and tactile feedback; 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

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

Ly

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

20mm single-stage spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches, we see a distinct contrast in the properties of the two materials used in their construction. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that is generally characterized as muffled and rounded. In stark contrast, the Sakura Pink switches feature polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material, leading to a sharper, more resonant sound profile that enhances clarity and crispness when typing. This contrast in material choice results in fundamentally different auditory and tactile experiences for users of each switch.

The aesthetic qualities of these materials also diverge notably. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Sakura Pink switches allows for RGB lighting to shine through, contributing to a vibrant and visually striking experience. In contrast, while the Deep Navy’s nylon construction does not offer the same level of translucence, it fosters a classic, understated aesthetic that appeals to users who prefer a more traditional look. Consequently, those who favor aesthetics influenced by lighting effects may find the Sakura Pink more attractive, while users interested in durability and a subdued visual presentation might lean toward the nylon-laden Deep Navy.

Ultimately, the differences in material between the Deep Navy and Sakura Pink will yield varied results in both sound and feel. However, it is essential to recognize that despite their distinct components, both switches can deliver an engaging typing experience. Users looking for a fuller and softer type feel may choose the Deep Navy, while those preferring a sharper and more vibrant response will likely opt for the Sakura Pink. While the unique properties of nylon and polycarbonate may elicit varying sensory responses, both switches are designed to provide satisfying feedback, effectively serving their purpose, albeit in different styles.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we can observe that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing experience. The Deep Navy requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sakura Pink has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, yet also shares the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar bottoming out experience, the Sakura Pink is noticeably lighter in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Deep Navy provides a slightly stronger push feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter switch should consider the Everglide Sakura Pink, while those who appreciate a bit more heft might lean towards the HMX Deep Navy.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we see a noticeable difference. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that users of the Deep Navy will experience a shorter actuation depth, which may result in quicker responsiveness—an advantageous feature for gamers seeking fast reaction times. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, with its longer travel distance, could appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches offer unique advantages based on user preference, the Deep Navy is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, whereas the Sakura Pink caters to those who appreciate a deeper and more substantial keystroke.

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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.

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 switches stand out with a rich, sharp sound profile that underscores their full nylon construction. This design contributes to a distinct auditory experience, enriching each keystroke and providing a satisfying acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are characterized by a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter performance that is particularly appealing for users who prefer a more subdued auditory presence. While the Deep Navy provides an engaging soundscape, the Sakura Pink introduces a playful element, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, which can add a lighthearted vibe to typing sessions. The actual sound experience for both switches will also depend on the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

When considering feel, the Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes, creating a fluid typing experience that eases the pressure on the fingers. However, the Sakura Pink switches excel in providing an exceptionally effortless feel, thanks to their buttery, creamy, and frictionless characteristics. With an incredibly lightweight actuation force of just 35g, they promote an easy-to-press sensation that minimizes finger fatigue, resulting in a comfortable typing experience—ideal for prolonged use. Users will find that the Sakura Pink switches deliver a remarkable gliding experience, allowing fingers to navigate the keys with remarkable ease, while the Deep Navy ensures a smooth yet rich typing sensation.

In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Deep Navy offers a richer sound with a smooth feel, while the Sakura Pink provides a playful auditory experience paired with an incredibly light and effortless typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will boil down to personal preference; some users may gravitate toward the engaging acoustics and smooth glide of the Deep Navy, while others may prefer the muted playfulness and effortless touch of the Sakura Pink. Regardless, both types contribute to a rewarding mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize sound and build quality, the Deep Navy might be your go-to option, thanks to its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, which can provide an engaging and immersive typing experience. Its full nylon construction contributes to durability and a satisfying feel, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a lighter touch and a more playful typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch is ideal, particularly for delicate typists or those looking for a quick-paced typing style. With its feather-light actuation force and buttery, frictionless feel, it offers an effortless glide that can significantly reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, its muted sound adds a soft quality that may appeal to those in quieter environments. Ultimately, consider what factors are most important to you—whether it's the sound, feel, or overall typing dynamics—as both switches uniquely excel in their respective attributes.

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