HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When exploring the options within mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Twilight linear switches stand out with their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in the auditory experience of typing, all thanks to its full nylon construction and the silky smoothness provided by its Ly stem. Conversely, the HMX Twilight offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, delivering a slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the beloved clacky sound associated with HMX switches. While both switches share a linear design that appeals to those who prefer smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, the choice between them hinges on whether you prioritize sound dynamics and feedback, or a quieter, more controlled typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and HMX Twilight both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, a choice that ensures a consistent typing experience across the two models. The nylon construction contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its relatively softer plastic properties allow for the absorption of sound. This results in a typing experience that is marked by a duller and rounder sound, as opposed to the sharper acoustics produced by harder plastics. Since both models feature identical housing materials, users can expect a similar auditory experience, characterized by its warm and muted tonal qualities, regardless of which variant they choose.

While the Deep Navy and Twilight share the same nylon material for both their top and bottom housings, it's important to recognize that the impact of how these materials influence the feel and sound during usage can slightly differ in the context of the specific designs or finishes of each model. The bottom housing primarily affects the sound and feel when bottoming out, whereas the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound that resonates when releasing the key. With both models constructed from the same nylon, it reinforces the expectation that both the bottom-out sound and release sound should closely resemble one another, ensuring a cohesive user experience.

In essence, even though the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Twilight are crafted with the same nylon housing materials, the subtleties associated with each switch can generate distinct user impressions. The shared characteristics of nylon promise a uniform sound experience marked by its muted quality. However, nuanced differences in design or user feedback could come into play, which may influence how users subjectively experience both models in practice. Ultimately, for those who prioritize a consistent sound profile, the choice between the two models would come down to aesthetic preferences rather than significant disparities in performance.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy and HMX Twilight linear switches both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Twilight features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Deep Navy switch is the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Twilight switch, with its increased forces, provides a bit more resistance, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. While both switches deliver relatively similar performance due to their light weight, the differences in force can cater to individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a noticeable difference becomes apparent. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, catering to those who appreciate quicker response times, often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Twilight, with its greater travel distance, provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a deeper feel in your keyboard switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch delivers a rich and sharp auditory profile that is quite engaging. Its full nylon construction likely contributes to the distinct resonance produced with each keystroke, providing a more pronounced acoustic experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch is characterized by its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which translates to a slightly quieter sound while still preserving the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. Both switches will inherently produce unique sounds, but the overall auditory experience may vary significantly based on the keyboard and keycap choices.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smooth actuation, offering seamless keystrokes that enhance typing comfort and speed. This smoothness is likely attributed to the design of the Ly stem, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a fluid typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch also features a smooth action due to its linear design, but the extended travel distance may provide a different tactile sensation, possibly leading to a more deliberate keystroke. While both switches boast a linear feel, the nuances in travel distance and construction may result in distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences.

In summary, the HMX Deep Navy switch excels in delivering a rich and sharp sound profile alongside a silky smooth typing feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight offers a quieter sound with a longer travel distance and maintains a smooth linear feel, appealing to those who may prefer a more subdued typing acoustics. While both switches have their unique characteristics, users can expect a satisfying linear experience from either option, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you lean towards a lighter key feel and appreciate a more resonant acoustic experience, the Deep Navy with its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams and richly sharp sound profile is ideal for you. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and tend to type for long sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and enjoy a quieter operation while still maintaining smooth keystrokes, the HMX Twilight switch, with its 50 grams bottom-out force and extended travel distance of 3.85mm, would serve you well. This switch balances a touch of resistance with a pleasant, less pronounced sound, making it suitable for quieter environments or if you primarily engage in typing tasks that require focus. Ultimately, your choice should align with your tactile preferences and the setting of your work or gaming environment for the best experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more