HMX Deep Navy vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Splash Brothers each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem. This makes them an excellent choice for users who prioritize a satisfying auditory and tactile experience while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are designed for speed, featuring a shorter activation distance and a long pole stem that provides a unique typing feel. Their creamy sound signature also adds to the overall experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more responsive and dynamic feel. While both switches are linear and offer smooth keystrokes, the Deep Navy is perfect for users who value auditory feedback and build quality, whereas the Splash Brothers cater to those aiming for swift performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it becomes evident that their designs cater to divergent auditory experiences due to the variation in top housing materials. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is primarily because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound waves effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature enables it to produce more resonant sounds, making it particularly suitable for scenarios where RGB lighting is in play, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both feature nylon materials. This leads to the same sound profile of a deeper and fuller experience when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing’s absorption qualities ensure that the audio output remains consistent across both designs at this point of contact. Therefore, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both the Deep Navy and Splash Brothers will produce similar auditory effects when the key is fully pressed, thanks to the shared nylon bottom which dampens the sound and gives it a unified depth.
Given that the qualities of the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound experience, the differences in the Deep Navy and Splash Brothers become particularly significant during gameplay or typing. While the Deep Navy's nylon top creates a deeper sound upon key releases, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top will elicit a more radiant and clear sound profile in the same action. Consequently, users may prefer one switch over the other based on their specific audio preferences and experiences. Ultimately, the blend of materials in both designs caters well to different tactile and auditory tastes, demonstrating how distinct top housings can yield diverse sounds while retaining a consistent tonal foundation provided by nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch both offer a lightweight typing experience, but they differ in their respective specifications. The Deep Navy features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a solid choice for users who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming for extended periods. In contrast, while the Splash Brothers lacks a specified actuation force, it does have a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Deep Navy's. This suggests that while the overall resistance during actuation isn't detailed, the Splash Brothers may still feel a bit more substantial upon bottoming out. Ultimately, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those prioritizing comfort during long sessions, whereas the Splash Brothers may appeal to users who prefer a slightly firmer feel at the end of their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Deep Navy provides a more pronounced response when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers' 3.5 mm travel distance offers a marginally faster actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize quick response times. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers could be the ideal choice, while those who enjoy a deeper travel and a more deliberate press might lean toward the HMX Deep Navy.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by a rich and sharp tone, which is attributed to its full nylon construction. This sharpness provides a distinctive auditory experience that can be immersive, perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch produces a creamy sound signature that leans towards neutrality. This balanced sound makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in the office, accommodating both beginners and experienced typists seamlessly.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Deep Navy delivers silkiness in its keystrokes, thanks to its Ly stem design, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers offer a more dynamic feel with a combination of mild and snappy characteristics. The mild sensation caters to users who prefer a gentler typing experience, while the snappy aspect enhances responsiveness, making typing feel lively and engaging. Additionally, the bouncy quality of the Splash Brothers contributes to a spring-like feedback, which can elevate the overall typing experience, making it more enjoyable and interactive.
In conclusion, while both the Deep Navy and Splash Brothers linear switches serve their intended purposes, they each bring unique qualities to the table. The Deep Navy excels with its sharp auditory feedback and silky smooth feel, ideal for users who prioritize a rich sound and effortless typing. Conversely, the Splash Brothers stand out with their creamy sound, dynamic feel, and responsiveness, making them versatile for various typing styles and environments. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound richness and smooth travel or a more lively feedback and versatile usability in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your typing style and environment. If you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a switch that delivers a rich, sharp sound profile along with silky smoothness, the Deep Navy would be an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a more immersive auditory experience and value smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that feels snappier and bouncier with a creamy sound signature, then the Splash Brothers would be the way to go. Its shorter activation distance and responsive feel make it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Plus, the mild characteristics of the Splash Brothers make it versatile enough for use in both home and office settings. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you lean towards a richer sensory typing experience with the Deep Navy or prefer the quick responsiveness and dynamic feel of the Splash Brothers.
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