HMX Deep Navy vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Sky V3 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 Dareu Sky V3 offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switches stand out with their full nylon construction and rich, sharp sound profile, providing a tactile satisfaction that many users find enjoyable. Their silky smooth operation, thanks to the Ly stem, makes them an excellent choice for those who appreciate fluid keystrokes and a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are celebrated for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, striking a harmonious balance that appeals to a diverse range of typists. Their comfort and precision make them particularly attractive to both gaming enthusiasts and professionals who require reliability and responsiveness. While both switches boast linear characteristics that promote seamless key presses, they cater to different user needs and priorities. 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
40g
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
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Sky V3 each utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differing sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results from nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sky V3 adopts a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to deliver a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, making it particularly effective for setups that include RGB lighting due to its translucency. As a result, while both switches offer quality performance, they approach sound production from different acoustic philosophies, with the Deep Navy leaning towards warmth and depth, and the Sky V3 aiming for brightness and clarity.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the similarities become evident as both the Deep Navy and Sky V3 utilize nylon materials. This choice provides a consistent experience in terms of sound profile, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory quality. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that accompanies the key bottoming out. Therefore, despite the stark contrast in their top materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures that users will experience a similarly broad and resonant feedback as they press down on the keys, creating a unique blend of characteristics between the two designs.
Ultimately, the interplay between the differing top housing materials and the consistent nylon bottom housing in both switches illustrates how their acoustic profiles are shaped. Users of the Deep Navy will appreciate the warmth of the nylon while experiencing a softer sound when the key is released, whereas the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing will shine with its sharpness and clarity in the same action. The combination of how each switch reacts to key presses, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out feel and sound, and the top housing impacting the release sound, results in a multifaceted typing experience. This balance of materials highlights the nuanced design considerations in mechanical switches, providing gamers and typists with tailored options to suit their specific auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the Deep Navy's bottom out force is specified at 45 grams, providing a tangible feedback as users press all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is not available, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall feel during heavy typing or gaming sessions. In terms of weight, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, ideal for long periods of use without fatigue, while the Sky V3's weight remains unknown, preventing a definitive conclusion on its suitability for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while the actuation forces align, the known bottom out force of the Deep Navy allows users to seek a more substantial typing experience compared to the uncertain feedback from the Sky V3.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which features a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference makes the Deep Navy the shorter travel option, appealing to those who favor faster response times, especially gamers who benefit from quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sky V3’s longer travel distance of 4 mm may be more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and a deeper pressing experience. Therefore, if responsiveness is your goal, the Deep Navy would be the preferable choice, while the Sky V3 caters to those who prefer a more traditional feel 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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 offers a rich and sharp sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience during typing. The full nylon construction contributes to this distinct sound quality, providing a unique aural satisfaction with every keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 boasts a neutral and subdued sound signature, making it versatile for various environments, from home offices to public spaces. This muted auditory presence offers a pleasant experience without being overly intrusive, making it more accommodating for diverse usage scenarios. While the Deep Navy emphasizes a more pronounced sound, the Sky V3 caters to those seeking a gentler auditory experience.
When considering feel, the Deep Navy switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, likely providing an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. This accessibility enhances overall comfort and fluidity during use, although the specific characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is designed with a mild feel that offers a gentle and approachable typing experience. Its balanced characteristics make the typing experience suitable for a wide audience, ensuring neither extreme stiffness nor excessive softness dominates the experience.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is celebrated for its rich sound profile and silky smooth typing feel, while the Dareu Sky V3 offers a more neutral sound and mild feel that appeals to a broader range of users. While they present different auditory and tactile experiences, both can provide satisfactory results for typists depending on individual preferences. Those seeking a pronounced sound and smooth keystrokes may lean toward the Deep Navy, while the Sky V3 serves well for those who prioritize versatility and comfort in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, selecting between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a richer sound profile and want a switch that feels silky smooth with every keystroke, then the Deep Navy, with its lightweight 45-gram actuation force, is likely the better choice for you. This switch is particularly appealing if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, making it great for both gaming and focused writing sessions where sound can enhance the experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature and a mild typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 would be the ideal switch for you. Its balanced characteristics are well-suited for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. With its medium-light weight, the Sky V3 can accommodate a wider range of users, ensuring comfort and precision for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. In the end, by considering your sound and feel preferences, as well as your typical typing environment, you can make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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