HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and its full nylon construction, providing a smooth, luxurious feel with every keystroke thanks to its Ly stem. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback and a sturdy build in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, also dubbed the Duck Duck switch, is engineered with a unique combination of materials that deliver a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, enhanced further by HMX's renowned factory lubrication. This switch can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a balanced typing sound while benefiting from excellent response times. While each switch has its unique attributes, choosing between them depends on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback. 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

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and HMX Sunset Gleam switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, influencing the overall auditory experience. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thanks to nylon's softer plastic properties, it effectively absorbs sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer material, it enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for switches designed to highlight RGB lighting due to its transparency. This crucial difference in material selection results in a varied sound profile and aesthetic appeal between the two switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Sunset Gleam incorporate nylon, which fosters a consistent auditory experience despite the differences in their top housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is evident in both switches. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing underscores a common design principle: the sound created during key presses remains relatively consistent, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, regardless of the divergent characteristics contributed by the top housing, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in their lower half.

In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Sunset Gleam showcase distinct sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials, they share an identical bottom housing material that promotes a full and rich typing experience. This combination means that users can expect a potentially comparable bottom-out sound across both switches, owing to the nylon bottom housing. The differences in auditory qualities stem primarily from the top housing, making the choice between the two ultimately reliant on a preference for either a rounded, deeper sound with the Deep Navy or a clearer, crisper response with the Sunset Gleam. Such design nuances illustrate how material selection can lead to diverse auditory landscapes in mechanical switches while maintaining foundational characteristics across the board.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both exhibit relatively light force characteristics, though there are subtle differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sunset Gleam requires a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means the Deep Navy switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who type for extended periods or prefer a softer keystroke feel, perfect for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are light, users may prefer the Deep Navy for its lighter touch and lower overall force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, the Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the longer option, providing a more pronounced tactile experience during key presses. For users who appreciate a deeper feel with each keystroke, the Deep Navy may be the preferable choice. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times for faster actions. Both switches are in line with contemporary preferences for shorter travel distances while still offering distinct experiences; with the right choice adapted to individual preferences, users can achieve an optimal balance between responsiveness and comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy switch delivers a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Crafted with a full nylon construction, it produces a distinct auditory feedback that many users find satisfying while typing or gaming. The combination of materials in the Deep Navy switch allows it to resonate uniquely, creating a deep tonal quality that is both immersive and pleasing. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, offers a balance that leans towards a subtle top-out and a more pronounced clack when the key is engaged. This switch benefits from HMX's excellent factory lube, which contributes to its smooth sound, ensuring that while it may not be as bold as the Deep Navy, it still provides a reputable auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch excels in providing a silky smooth response with every keystroke, which is a hallmark of its design featuring the Ly stem. This smoothness is critical for users who appreciate a seamless typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who type for extended periods. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam offers a slightly different tactile experience, with its blend of materials providing a satisfying feedback at the actuation point. The thoughtful design implies a deliberate effort to combine comfort and responsiveness, providing a well-rounded option for users seeking pleasant tactile encounters.

Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy and Sunset Gleam linear switches deliver unique sound and feel experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Deep Navy provides a deeper, sharper auditory experience complemented by silky smooth keystrokes, the Sunset Gleam introduces a balanced sound profile with satisfying actuation feedback. Users are likely to appreciate the intricate qualities of both switches, making them suitable options for anyone looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound with a perfect smoothness or a subtler yet satisfying auditory feedback combined with responsive tactile engagement.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself seeking a compelling auditory experience, the Deep Navy switch impresses with its rich and sharp sound profile, complemented by its silky smoothness thanks to the Ly stem. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a light 45-gram force, which can be particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where quick actuation is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile response with a subtle top-out and a slightly firmer 48-gram actuation force, the Sunset Gleam could be the better fit for you. Its satisfying clack and well-known factory lube enhance the overall experience, making it perfect for not just typing but also for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback when they press their keys. In short, let your typing habits and preferred sound profiles guide you—whether it's the thought-provoking depths of the Deep Navy or the delightful resonance of the Sunset Gleam, both switches have unique advantages that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more