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HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, making it a perfect choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback and a more acoustic experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire inputs that can enhance gameplay performance. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel cater to those who thrive on speed and responsiveness during intense gaming sessions. While both switches offer their unique advantages—whether it's the immersive sensation of the Deep Navy or the quick-reacting nature of the Vintage Citrus—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

48g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

53g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

Ly

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

20mm single-stage spring

Spring

22mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material for both the top and bottom sections. This consistency in material selection means that the typing experience across both categories will exhibit similar acoustic properties. Nylon's inherent characteristics of being a softer plastic allow for greater sound absorption, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, users will notice that keystrokes on either switch produce a duller and rounder sound, preventing undesirable sharpness often associated with harder plastics. Whether typing on the Deep Navy or Vintage Citrus, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience.

While both switches utilize the same material for their housings, the impact of this material manifests differently depending on the part of the switch being engaged. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out feel of the key, meaning that the characteristics imparted by nylon will create a smoother and quieter actuation. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound produced upon releasing the key, further prolonging the soft auditory experience. As a result, users who switch between the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Vintage Citrus will find that, despite their potentially different aesthetic appeals, the interaction with the nylon housing ensures a similar tactile and auditory feel during both key press and release.

In summary, the uniformity of the nylon material across both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Vintage Citrus enables users to achieve a comparable typing experience, regardless of their choice of switch. The qualities of sound absorption and softness inherent to nylon facilitate deeper, fuller sounds, significantly enhancing the acoustic profile of both products. Therefore, while there may be visual differences or branding distinctions between the two, the fundamental characteristics that define the typing experience remain faithfully consistent thanks to the shared use of nylon in their housing construction.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier on the fingers, which is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Consequently, the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter switch, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is the heavier option. Therefore, users who favor a softer touch and reduced fatigue during long usage should opt for the Deep Navy, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke may find the Vintage Citrus more appealing.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This comparison illustrates a clear distinction between the two, with the Deep Navy offering a more pronounced depth that may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus provides a quicker response time thanks to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for faster actions. Therefore, if responsiveness and speed are your priorities, the Vintage Citrus would be the preferred choice, whereas those who favor a more traditional feel with a hearty depth may lean towards the Deep Navy due to its greater travel distance.

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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.

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 that captivates users with its distinct acoustics, thanks to its full nylon construction. This contributes to a more refined auditory experience, creating an engaging backdrop for typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch produces an exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, which aligns perfectly with its gaming-oriented design. The sound it generates adds an energetic feel to interactions, making it particularly engaging for rapid-fire input scenarios, although both sound profiles can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, allowing for a seamless typing experience that many users find enjoyable and satisfying. The Ly stem enhances this smooth action, making it a delight for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch features a notably low actuation force of just 1mm, designed for swift and responsive input. This combined with its smooth push feel, results in an incredibly fast and efficient typing experience, particularly well-suited for gamers seeking immediate feedback and rapid responses during gameplay.

Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Deep Navy excelling in producing a rich sound and providing a luxurious feel, while the Vintage Citrus focuses on agility and speed with its bright sound and low actuation force. Depending on individual taste, one can expect to find satisfaction in either switch, whether desiring a more refined auditory and tactile experience with the Deep Navy or the speedy, clacky feedback of the Vintage Citrus. Regardless of choice, users can anticipate a unique experience that aligns with their typing or gaming style.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use case. If you are drawn to a smooth typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams makes it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more effortless keystroke, reflecting a more relaxed typing experience. The full nylon construction also enhances durability, making it suitable for both office work and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for performance and rapid response, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with you in mind. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams and an impressive 1mm actuation point, this switch allows for quick inputs and aggressive gameplay, complemented by its bright, clacky sound that can heighten your gameplay experience. In closing, consider the Deep Navy for a smooth and mellow typing experience or opt for the Vintage Citrus for a responsive, gaming-oriented switch; each has its unique advantages tailored to different styles of use.

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