HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options to find the perfect fit for their typing preferences. The HMX Deep Navy and TTC Yunhai are two notable linear switches that cater to different user experiences. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback along with a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Yunhai switches distinguish themselves with a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, appealing to typists who prefer a gentle and effortless touch as they type. While both switches offer unique advantages, the decision ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and 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

HMX Deep Navy Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Yunhai both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing, which leads to a remarkable consistency in typing experience between the two switches. As stated for both switch designs, nylon is considered a classic housing material known for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This shared material characteristic results in a typing experience that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing overall acoustics. As nylon excels at dampening high-frequency sounds, it allows for a typing experience that feels more rounded and less harsh compared to those made from harder plastics.

While the Deep Navy and Yunhai both feature nylon for their housings, it is notable that each switch's design elements could still lead to variations in feel and sound. Although both switches yield a similar sound profile due to the use of nylon, other factors such as design intricacies, switch mechanism (linear, tactile, or clicky), and spring tension will ultimately dictate the overall typing experience. This means that while the deep, resonant sound characteristic of nylon is consistent across both, nuanced differences in how the switches feel when pressed or released may still be present, influenced by the unique engineering of each model.

When considering the impact of the housing on typing quality, the distinction between top and bottom housings becomes particularly relevant. In both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Yunhai, the bottom housing contributes more significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel due to the force exerted during a key press, while the top housing affects the sound produced during the release of the key. Hence, although the same nylon material is used for both the top and bottom housings in each switch, the experiential differences may emerge based on the interaction of the unique designs, leading to a sound and tactile experience that is cohesive yet distinctly influenced by each model's construction.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for users seeking a comfortable typing experience. The Deep Navy features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Deep Navy is the lighter option overall, appealing to those who favor extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Yunhai, with its marginally higher forces, provides a more substantial feel, ideal for users who prefer a firmer push when typing or gaming. Although the actuation and bottom out forces of both switches are close, the Deep Navy will yield a slightly lighter experience compared to the Yunhai.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress distance when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance indicates that both switches are designed to provide a comparable feel when typing or gaming, leading to a consistent user experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall performance, making either switch a viable choice for those seeking a standard linear switch feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch boasts a rich and sharp sound profile that is enhanced by its full nylon construction, contributing to a pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This sound signature lends itself to a more engaging experience as each keystroke reverberates slightly, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate audible interactions with their boards. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch produces a deep and rounded sound profile that complements its incredibly light actuation force. This results in a more subdued auditory experience, which may appeal to typists who prefer a softer sound during their keystrokes. It's important to note that the sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, meaning that users can achieve different results depending on their unique setups.

Regarding feel, the Deep Navy switch is known for its incredibly smooth keystrokes, largely attributed to the Ly stem design, which allows for a seamless transition from key to key. This smoothness enhances typing performance and makes prolonged use more comfortable. Meanwhile, the Yunhai switch captivates users with its exceptionally light actuation force, making it feel effortless to type. This gentler touch can lead to reduced finger fatigue, especially during extended typing sessions. Despite the differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying linear feel, allowing users to experience a flow in their typing without tactile disruptions.

In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a distinctive sharp sound and an ultra-smooth feel, the TTC Yunhai switch stands out with its deep sound profile and lightweight actuation, leading to an easier typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to choose based on their auditory and tactile desires. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the pronounced sound and fluidity of the Deep Navy or the gentle, rounded experience of the Yunhai, either option can provide a satisfying typing experience, underscoring the diversity available within the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your personal typing preferences and intended use case will play a crucial role. If you appreciate a light actuation with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, and you're looking for a switch that delivers a rich, sharp sound profile along with silky smooth keystrokes, the Deep Navy might be the ideal choice for you. Its nylon construction and the Ly stem ensure that every keystroke feels effortless and pleasant, enhancing both typing and gaming experiences. On the other hand, if you favor an even lighter touch with a deeper, rounded sound signature, and you want a more relaxed typing experience, the Yunhai switch is a fantastic option. Its unique characteristics cater especially well to typists who enjoy a gentle, effortless feel, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the crispness and smoothness of the Deep Navy or the effortless typing comfort provided by the Yunhai.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more