HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Silent Ink Black present two distinct yet appealing options for users seeking a premium typing experience. The Deep Navy switches are renowned for their rich and sharp sound profile, crafted from full nylon to deliver a silky smooth keystroke thanks to the Ly stem design. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate audible feedback and a dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to users who prefer a quieter, more subdued sound environment, making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces. With their cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Blacks deliver a polished and muted experience, prioritizing comfort and discretion. Both switches have their unique strengths depending on your typing style and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches present very different approaches to housing materials that ultimately affect their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Deep Navy features a nylon housing, known for its relatively softer and more absorbent nature. This construction allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs more sound waves and creates a duller, rounder tone. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This material is designed to offer a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky, providing a more vibrant auditory experience. The contrasting materials thus yield different sensations and sounds during typing, with nylon leaning towards softness and depth, while the INK blend pushes towards brightness and clarity.

Despite these differences, both switches share a fundamental structural similarity in that they each utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, which affects the overall sound and typing experience. The nylon material of the Deep Navy leads to consistency in delivering a muted sound from both ends of the switch, making every keystroke feel cohesive and refined. On the flip side, the Silent Ink Black’s INK blend generates more divergence; while the high-pitched clackiness prevails in the top housing, the bottom housing can still carry elements of this characteristic sound. The interaction between these unique materials means that while the overall experience of the HMX Deep Navy is rooted in a more subdued auditory response, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a sharper sound that can create a more dynamic typing experience due to its distinct layering of materials.

When considering the implications of these material choices, one can appreciate how typing results are influenced by the nuances of each housing material. For example, the composition of the nylon in the Deep Navy tends to absorb and soften sound, contributing to a more pronounced bottom-out feel. In contrast, the high-pitched clack from the Silent Ink Black can lead to a more stimulating typing environment, especially when releasing keys, as the INK blend’s properties take center stage. Therefore, even though both switches provide unique auditory experiences based on their respective housing materials, the quality of the sounds produced and the sensations experienced during typing can vary greatly. Overall, users familiar with either switch will notice an impact in the feel and resonance of their keystrokes, leading to a diverse range of typing preferences based on individual choice and experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods—a trait appreciated by those who prefer a softer touch for work or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by users who like a stronger push feel. Consequently, individuals looking for a switch that requires less effort and reduces fatigue might lean toward the Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback might prefer the Silent Ink Black. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Silent Ink Black is the heavier choice, providing users distinct experiences based on their preferences.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter of the two, catering to users who prefer a snappier response, often favored by gamers for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance of 4 mm aligns with the more traditional specifications, providing a more substantial keypress that some users may find more satisfying and comfortable for typographical tasks. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference; those who enjoy a more immediate and responsive feel will gravitate toward the Deep Navy, while those who appreciate a deeper, fuller travel will likely prefer the Silent Ink Black.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its rich and sharp sound profile, which is characteristic of mechanical switches that prioritize auditory feedback. This full nylon construction enhances the acoustic properties, resulting in a more pronounced keystroke noise that many enthusiasts appreciate for its mechanical essence. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for a much quieter experience, making it ideal for shared or noise-sensitive environments. It produces a muted sound, significantly reducing the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, thanks to its silenced design. This difference in sound quality means that users looking for a more pronounced acoustic experience may prefer the Deep Navy, while those seeking a subtle, less intrusive typing sound will favor the Silent Ink Black.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smoothness, allowing for a seamless keystroke experience with minimal resistance. This smooth action enhances typists' speed and accuracy, making it a compelling choice for those who value precision in their input. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel, which contributes to a plush typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switches are characterized by their polished feel, attributed to their refined quality, resulting in reduced friction during key presses. While both switches offer a high level of smoothness, the Deep Navy may appeal more to those who enjoy a direct, tactile feedback, while the Silent Ink Black caters to users looking for a softer typing experience.

Combining the sound and feel of both switches, potential mechanical keyboard users are presented with clear choices based on their preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch is perfect for those seeking an engaging auditory experience with a smooth keystroke, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black caters to those who prioritize quiet operation and a comfortable, plush feel. Depending on your typing style and environment, each switch type offers its distinct advantages, enabling you to select the one that best matches your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing environment in which you plan to use them. If you enjoy a lighter, more responsive feel in your keystrokes, the Deep Navy’s 45-gram bottom-out force may be perfect for you, especially if you appreciate a rich, pronounced sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. The silky smoothness and full nylon construction of the Deep Navy also make it an appealing choice for those who crave a vibrant and tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, perhaps for a shared workspace or an environment where noise is a concern, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch with its 70-gram bottom-out force offers a medium-heavy resistance that can provide you with a more stabilizing and cushioned feel, complemented by its muted sound profile that minimizes audible feedback. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize discretion without compromising on a smooth and polished typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the HMX Deep Navy for its engaging sound and touch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black for its silence and weightier feel should hinge on your specific typing needs and sharing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more