HMX Deep Navy vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two compelling options on the market today are the HMX Deep Navy switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch. The Deep Navy, characterized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke thanks to its full nylon construction and silky smooth Ly stem. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and a quiet environment. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch, known for its medium tactility and fairly light touch, delivering a neutral sound signature that many users find to be a "Goldilocks" option—neither too soft nor too firm. This switch strikes a balance, making it appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback while still requiring a comfortable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch feature distinct materials in their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a unique, duller auditory experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its sharper and crisper sound output. The stiff nature of polycarbonate results in more enhanced resonance, leading to a brighter sound profile that can be particularly appealing in settings with RGB lighting, where the translucency of the material plays a significant aesthetic role.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, aligning in the aspect of sound quality from the bottom part of the switch. The nylon bottom of both the Deep Navy and Violet Gold Pro generates a deeper and more rounded sound profile during bottoming out. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that, despite the differences in the top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing each switch down. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties remain pivotal in both scenarios, creating a rich tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience.
Ultimately, the split in materials between the top and bottom housings of the switches presents a unique interplay of sound characteristics. While the Deep Navy's nylon top and bottom create a cohesive sound profile that leans toward warmth, the Violet Gold Pro's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom results in a hybrid experience—balancing crispness from the top and depth from the bottom. This variance allows users to choose switches based on their preference for sound quality: those seeking a fuller auditory experience might gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those desiring sharpness and brightness would likely prefer the Violet Gold Pro. In both cases, the nylon bottom provides a consistent foundation that roots the switching experience in deep, rich sound.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it an easier-to-press option for prolonged typing sessions or gameplay. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Regarding bottom out forces, while the Deep Navy switch has a measurable bottom out force of 45 grams, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is not provided. As a result, users seeking a lighter switch might lean towards the Deep Navy for comfort, while those favoring a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Violet Gold Pro, although the latter’s overall characteristics remain incomplete due to the lack of bottom out force data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the two switches differ in their dimensions. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro extends slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, appealing to gamers who favor the quicker response times that shorter travel distances can provide. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, with its greater travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke feedback and a deeper feel when typing. Therefore, those who prefer responsiveness would likely choose the Deep Navy, whereas those seeking a more substantial depth may gravitate towards the Violet Gold Pro.
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 Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a rich, sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction. This design allows for significant auditory feedback with each keystroke, making typing a more immersive experience. This acoustic characteristic can be particularly appealing for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature that balances well for various environments. It generates a moderate sound, making it suitable for both casual and more formal settings, whether at home or in the office. While the Deep Navy's sound is vibrant and distinct, the Violet Gold Pro's neutrality allows for versatility without overwhelming noise.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy switches excel in providing a silky smooth interaction with every keystroke, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience. This smoothness makes the Deep Navy appealing for those who prefer a linear switch with no tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactile feedback that is characterized as stepped. This means that users will experience a mild tactile sensation due to the two-stage actuation, allowing for some pre-travel and post-travel feedback during use. For typists seeking a tactile experience, the Violet Gold Pro provides just enough texture without being overly aggressive.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch present distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to varying preferences. The Deep Navy offers a more pronounced and dynamic sound coupled with a fluid typing feel, ideal for those who enjoy linear switches. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro provides a balanced sound profile along with a gentle tactile feedback, perfect for users wanting a middle ground in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will largely depend on your auditory and tactile preferences, as each switch offers a unique yet engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, your preferences and use cases will play a crucial role. If you’re looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and muted typing experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent option, especially with its light actuation force of 45 grams, making it perfect for those who enjoy rapid key presses without a heavy touch. It’s also ideal if you relish rich sound profiles; its full nylon construction enhances both the sound and the smoothness, creating an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a balance of tactile feedback without being overwhelming, the Violet Gold Pro would be the better choice. With its medium tactility and neutral sound signature, this switch will accommodate both casual and professional environments, allowing you to enjoy a versatile typing experience. Furthermore, its stepped tactile feel provides just enough feedback to signify actuation without diminishing typing flow, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a smooth linear response or a balanced tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
