HMX Deep Navy vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Snow are two linear options that cater to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Deep Navy switches, renowned for their full nylon construction, offer a rich and sharp sound profile that enhances every keystroke, thanks to the silky smoothness provided by their Ly stem. Ideal for typists and gamers alike who appreciate feedback through sound, the Deep Navy boasts a refined, immersive experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switches are distinguished by their innovative use of POK material for both the housing and stem, delivering a deeper, thocky sound signature that elicits a more neutral and bouncy feel during use. This switch is perfect for those who favor a balanced typing experience without compromising on auditory satisfaction. Although both switches deliver unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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 Dareu Snow, it's evident that the top housings are constructed from different materials, which brings about distinct acoustic properties and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow’s top housing is made from POK, or polyketone, which is engineered to provide a smoother typing experience due to its lower coefficient of friction. Although POK can generate a more ‘clacky’ sound profile that is sharper than nylon’s deeper tones, the fundamental difference in material composition provides each switch with a unique tactile and auditory quality.
Both the Deep Navy and Snow units showcase nylon in their bottom housing. As both switch designs leverage this classic housing material, they elicit similar sound characteristics attributable to their nylon components. As in the case of the top housings, nylon's capacity to absorb sound contributes to the overall typing experience. Thus, when it comes to the bottom housing, users will find that both models function with comparable sound profiles, characterized by a deeper, fuller bottom-out sound. This consistency across both switches in their bottom housing further emphasizes the role of nylon in crafting a muted roundness to the overall auditory feedback experienced during use.
The impact of the different top housing materials in these switches plays a crucial role in defining their overall performance. While the Deep Navy's nylon top emphasizes a deeper sound, the Dareu Snow's POK top strives for a smoother and more pronounced sound with a unique clack. This divergence suggests that a user’s choice may hinge on their preference for sound characteristics. However, given that both models use nylon for the bottom housing, they maintain a common foundation in sound absorption, allowing them to deliver a similar depth of sound when bottoming out. Overall, while the top housings diverge in material properties and ensuing auditory output, the shared nylon in the bottom housing harmonizes their respective performances, ensuring a consistent, fuller sound experience.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Snow switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for enhanced tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're seeking a lighter option with less resistance, the HMX Deep Navy would be the ideal choice, while the Dareu Snow suits those who favor a firmer feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it's clear that they differ, with the Deep Navy featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference suggests that the Deep Navy may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback during keypresses, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Snow can enhance responsiveness, making it suitable for gamers who seek quicker actuation times and faster responses. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference: opt for the Deep Navy if you desire a more robust keystroke experience, or choose the Dareu Snow for a snappier, more agile feel.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 switch offers a rich and sharp acoustic profile, attributed to its full nylon construction. This material likely contributes to a clean and satisfying keystroke experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is renowned for its thocky character, producing a deeper sound signature with a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone. When typing on Snow switches, each keystroke resonates with a soft "knock," providing a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches may vary in sound depending on the keyboard and keycap choices used, but the Deep Navy will lean towards a crisp tone while the Snow offers a warmer and fuller sound.
When considering feel, the Deep Navy switch is noted for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, promising a seamless and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch features a bouncy characteristic, delivering a springy feedback sensation. The elasticity of the Snow switch can create a lively typing environment as it rebounds when pressed. Though the feel of the two switches is quite different—with the Deep Navy prioritizing smoothness and the Snow emphasizing a bounciness—each offers a distinct tactile experience that can cater to various typing preferences.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Snow linear switches have their unique sound and feel qualities, they provide different typing experiences that cater to specific user preferences. The Deep Navy is ideal for those who appreciate a rich and crisp sound along with silky smooth keystrokes, while the Snow appeals to users seeking a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy feedback sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what aspects of sound and feel resonate most with your typing style.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and appreciate a smooth keystroke with a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy switches could be your go-to option. Their 45-gram actuation force makes them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where rapid key presses are common. Conversely, if you gravitate towards a slightly heavier feel and enjoy the satisfying thocky sound that the Snow switch produces, then you might find more joy in the 60-gram medium actuation force of the Dareu Snow. This switch's bounce and deeper sound signature contribute to an engaging typing experience, ideal for a mix of work and casual use where auditory satisfaction is a plus. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard—whether it’s a feather-light touch or a more substantial tactile experience.
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