HMX Deep Navy vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various switches to optimize their typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy switch, known for its full nylon construction, delivers a sharp sound profile that provides an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. This switch promises a silky smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate both sound and tactility while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more innovative approach with its unique combination of a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. This duality caters to users who desire minimal noise without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of a more traditional switch; plus, its silky smooth typing feel strikes a balance between being refined and practical. While both switches appeal to linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct sound profiles and construction methodologies can significantly influence your typing experience. 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
62g
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
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
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a key distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer texture that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile during keystrokes. This type of plastic dampens sound more efficiently, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that many typists find comforting. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer material enhances the sharpness of the sound profile, leading to a crisper and more resonant typing experience. The transparency of polycarbonate also allows for the effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing in setups where aesthetics matter.
Interestingly, both the Deep Navy and the Semi-Silent Linear share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both are constructed from nylon. This ensures that the foundational characteristics of the typing experience remain consistent between the two switches, as nylon's acoustic properties are well-regarded for contributing to a deeper sound profile. When pressed, both switches will elicit a similar bottom-out sound due to the nylon bottom, resulting in a harmonious blend of tactile feedback and auditory sensation. Therefore, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, users will find that the bottom housing maintains some uniformity in sound and feel, offering a consistent experience when typing.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials dictate the overall sound profile of each switch while the nylon bottom housing effectively bridges the acoustic characteristics of both models. The Deep Navy's nylon top mellows the sound, perfect for those who prefer a subdued typing experience, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top sharpens the auditory feedback for those seeking clarity and resonance. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing that aligns their bottom-out experiences, creating a common ground when it comes to the typing feel. Thus, users can choose between these two switches based on their preference for sound profile while still enjoying a cohesive experience driven by the shared bottom housing material.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch present distinct differences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear has an unspecified actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, which suggests a firmer, more substantial experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. This means that the Deep Navy switch is the lighter option, while the Jwick switch is heavier. The differing bottom out forces also indicate that users of the Jwick may experience more resistance when fully pressing down compared to those using the Deep Navy, leading to varying typing experiences overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, the HMX Deep Navy measures 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Deep Navy switch the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers or those who prefer a quicker actuation. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more robust typing experience for users who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for faster response times, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Semi-Silent could be favored for a more pronounced tactile sensation during use.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, which adds a distinctive auditory element to the typing experience. Its full nylon construction contributes to this pronounced sound, allowing it to stand out with clear acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile. The semi-silent nature of this switch results in a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, giving it a unique auditory experience that balances noise levels. This means that while the Deep Navy provides a more vibrant sound, the Semi-Silent Linear opts for a quieter and more subtle approach, making it versatile for a variety of environments.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch boasts various qualities that contribute to its tactile feedback. Described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, this type of switch creates a gentle yet responsive typing experience. The snappiness adds a lively element, while the buttery smoothness ensures that each keystroke flows seamlessly. The polished finish further reduces friction, allowing for a refined feel across the board. While both switches deliver smooth actuation, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provides a multifaceted approach to tactile feedback.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Deep Navy offers a rich auditory experience with silky smooth keystrokes, ideal for users who appreciate a more vibrant typing sound. Meanwhile, the Semi-Silent Linear combines subdued acoustics with a versatile tactile experience, making it suitable for a variety of settings. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference—those who favor a more pronounced sound might lean towards the Deep Navy, while those who prefer a quieter environment coupled with a responsive feel may find the Semi-Silent Linear more appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a lighter touch with a sharp sound profile, and enjoy the smoothness that comes with a lower actuation force (45 grams), then the Deep Navy may be the perfect fit for you. This switch is particularly ideal for casual typists or gamers who like a more tactile auditory experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that balances a bit more weight (62 grams) with a subdued sound, perfect for quieter settings, the Semi-Silent Linear is likely your best bet. Its semi-silent quality makes it a fantastic choice for office environments or shared spaces where attention to noise levels is key. Ultimately, whether you prefer the rich audio signature and lighter actuation of the Deep Navy or the balanced, quieter characteristics of the Semi-Silent Linear, both switches deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience tailored to different preferences.
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