HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer intriguing choices, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switch is renowned for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize tactile feedback and pleasing acoustics in their typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie showcases a medium-weight all-POM build that balances both quality and affordability. It delivers a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, appealing to users looking for a satisfying pop with each key press while remaining budget-friendly. Selecting between these two linear switches ultimately depends on whether you value the auditory experience and material construction of the Deep Navy or the overall blend of performance and price offered by the Sea Salt Smoothie. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches showcase distinct approaches in their choice of housing materials, each of which contributes uniquely to the overall typing experience. The Deep Navy features a nylon top and bottom housing, a traditional choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller, rounder audio experience. This gives users a richer acoustic landscape when typing, making for a satisfying auditory feedback that is particularly appreciated by enthusiasts seeking a solid performance.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housing, which is noted for producing a distinct and uniquely pleasing sound signature. With a sound profile that is also deep but more muted compared to the nylon of the Deep Navy, POM lends a different auditory quality to the typing experience. While POM may not absorb sound as effectively as nylon, its unique characteristics contribute to an engaging user experience, providing a crisp and more refined sound when the key is released, thus altering the sensation of the switch compared to that provided by nylon.
Despite these differences, both switches are designed to evoke a full and satisfying typing experience. Each housing provides its own unique sound profile and tactile feedback: the softness of nylon in the Deep Navy produces a sound that resonates more profoundly, while the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie promotes clarity and refinement. If you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel despite the material disparities, usage patterns and typing styles will play a significant role. The impact of the bottom housing in both switches, which primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, suggests that both can deliver a gratifying experience, albeit through different auditory avenues. Therefore, users can appreciate the unique qualities of each switch while still enjoying a satisfying overall experience, whether they lean towards the nostalgic warmth of nylon or the crisp characteristics of POM.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it feels to bottom out compared to the Deep Navy. Since the Deep Navy is lighter in terms of actuation force, users looking for less strain during extended use may prefer it, while those who favor a stronger push should lean toward the heavier Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Deep Navy measuring 3.6 mm and the Sea Salt Smoothie at 3.7 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced typing experience for users who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Deep Navy may appeal to gamers or typists seeking quicker response times. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's longer 3.7 mm distance could cater to those who prefer a more traditional feel, whereas the Deep Navy's 3.6 mm may be ideal for those who value speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switch boasts a rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience when typing. This can make each keystroke feel satisfying and impactful. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile, delivering a deeper, cushioned sound that many users find appealing. This difference in sound characteristics can significantly influence how each switch feels in practice, as the auditory feedback plays a role in the overall typing experience. It's worth noting that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which adds another layer of personalization.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is crafted for silky smoothness with every keystroke, thanks to its Ly stem, which contributes to a premium typing sensation. This smooth action can make the typing experience feel effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, being a medium-weight all-POM switch, typically offers a different tactile experience, although it also prides itself on exceptional smoothness. While both switches provide a satisfying feel, the Deep Navy's emphasis on silky movements stands out, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's medium-weight nature may appeal to those who prefer a more balanced resistance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches deliver unique auditory and tactile experiences, with the Deep Navy focusing on a rich sound and silky smooth keystrokes, while the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a thocky audio profile alongside a balanced feel. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference; if you favor a pronounced sound and smooth feel, the Deep Navy may be your ideal switch, whereas if you appreciate a deeper sound and medium-weight resistance, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the better fit. Regardless of choice, both switches offer high-quality options for an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you lean towards a lighter keystroke with a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy might be the ideal choice for you. Its silky smoothness and full nylon construction allow for a satisfying typing experience, making it excellent for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you're attracted to a medium-weight switch that balances quality with affordability, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more suitable. With its thocky sound profile and smooth actuation, it could provide a solid and satisfying feedback with each keystroke while being a great value for money. Ultimately, consider the feel and sound that resonate with you the most, and choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and requirements for a perfect mechanical keyboard experience.
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