HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Weightlessness switches. The Deep Navy switch, renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, is crafted with full nylon construction and features a Ly stem that provides a silky smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate linear switches for their uninterrupted travel and quiet operation. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, combining a balanced sound profile with tactile feedback that many typists find satisfying for both typing and gaming. While the Deep Navy is perfect for users seeking a smooth and stealthy experience, the Weightlessness appeals to those who enjoy the tactile sensation and audible feedback during their keystrokes. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Weightlessness are notably similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material choice underscores the advantages of nylon as a "classic" switch housing material, with both models offering a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The inherent properties of nylon—being a softer plastic—enable both switches to absorb sound, creating a murmured and rounded auditory experience rather than a sharp, hollow one. This attributes to a pleasant typing environment, making both switches appealing to users who favor acoustic comfort.
The significant similarity extends beyond just the sound profile, as both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings consistently. This means that the typist will have a similar tactile and auditory experience across both switches. When pressed, both models deliver a bottom-out sound that is muted and thudded, thanks to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. When releasing the key, the nylon top housing also contributes to a softer decibel level as the key returns to its original position, allowing for a harmonious sound experience that may be more pleasing than those with harder plastic components.
However, while the shared nylon housing suggests a comparable acoustic experience, the potential impact of additional switch design features and specifications could differentiate the overall typing experience. Because the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel more profoundly while the top housing affects the sound upon release, even slight variations in the design of these switches could lead to unique typing dynamics. Nevertheless, the core material consistency suggests that both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Weightlessness will likely produce similar results in terms of sound and feel, with performance nuances arising from other design aspects.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter requirement can make it a more comfortable choice for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its performance when pressed fully down. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Weightlessness is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences in typing feel and resistance. If both switches had similar actuation and bottom out forces, users would likely experience comparable typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the winner for those who prefer a more pronounced key press, offering a depth that may feel more substantial to traditionalists. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal to gamers and fast typists seeking quicker response times. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Deep Navy providing a more hearty depth for those who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience, while the Weightlessness allows for a more immediate reaction due to its reduced travel. Thus, users must choose based on their individual needs—depth versus speed.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 boasts a rich and sharp audio profile that enhances the typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction. Its sound is likely to be more pronounced and crisp, providing an auditory satisfaction that can make every keystroke feel more impactful. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile, which complements its tactile characteristics. While it may not be as pronounced as the Deep Navy, its subtle to moderate tactile feedback creates a harmonious auditory experience that is less aggressive but still pleasant for general typing and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It’s important to remember that the sound of each switch can be influenced significantly by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Deep Navy is known for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, ensuring an utterly seamless typing experience that many users crave in a linear switch. This smooth action is appealing for those who enjoy fast typing or gaming, as it provides no tactile bump to interrupt their flow. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a gentle tactile feel, providing a noticeable yet subtle feedback that can be considered ideal for typists who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes without the harshness associated with some other tactile switches. This balance makes the Weightlessness suitable for a range of applications, from typing to gaming.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch comes down to personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Deep Navy thrives on its pronounced sound and sleek smoothness, making it a great option for those seeking an immersive auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness caters to individuals who appreciate a more balanced sound profile combined with a subtle tactile feel, making typing both satisfying and comfortable. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the sharp precision of the Deep Navy or the gentle feedback of the Weightlessness, both switches offer exceptional characteristics that cater to different styles of interaction, ensuring that enthusiasts can find what best suits their typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as your typing or gaming style. If you prioritize a smooth, responsive keystroke with a light actuation force, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback due to its rich and sharp sound profile. This switch is ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer linear switches that allow for rapid key presses without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile bump during key presses and need a switch that provides a balanced sound alongside a moderate tactile response, then the Weightlessness would be more suitable. These switches offer a more traditional typing experience, which can be particularly enjoyable for everyday typing tasks where you want to feel a subtle indication of actuation without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, consider what aspects—lightness and sound versus tactility and responsiveness—are most important to you to make the best choice for your keyboard experience.
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