HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy, known for its rich and sharp sound profile, offers a unique tactile feedback thanks to its full nylon construction and silky smooth Ly stem, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory cues and a satisfying keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch aims to provide an ultra-quiet typing experience with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which not only ensures smoothness and stability but also effectively absorbs sound for an almost serene typing environment. While the Deep Navy is ideal for those who enjoy the auditory richness of their switches, the Gateron Zero Degree is perfect for individuals who prioritize noise reduction and a soft, elastic feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, a notable distinction emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer quality. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that, because of its stiffer structure, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in top housing materials significantly influences the overall auditory experience of each switch, as the nylon creates a warm sound while polycarbonate accentuates clarity and resonance.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which unifies their sound characteristics at the bottom out point. The nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches since it absorbs sound well. Therefore, despite the contrasting top housing materials, both switches share a degree of commonality when it comes to the bottom housing element. The soft quality of the nylon bottom housing will provide a consistent tactile experience, meaning that regardless of the top housing differences, the bottom-out feedback for both the Deep Navy and Zero Degree 0° will have a similar, muted auditory quality that reinforces that deeper sound profile.

Ultimately, the varied top housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer distinct experiences, while the identical nylon bottom housings anchor the two switches with a shared sound characteristic. When pressed, the nylon bottom housing dominates the typing feedback and bottom-out sound, making its impact discernible regardless of the top housing materials. Hence, while the auditory profiles differ due to the top materials, the consistent use of nylon at the bottom ensures that both switches still deliver a familiar and satisfying tactile experience, ultimately leading to unique yet comparable results in terms of overall sound and feedback upon typing.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch with the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer an easier key press for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which appeals to users who appreciate a more substantial feel with each keystroke. For the bottom out forces, the Deep Navy has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gateron’s bottom out force is currently unknown. This means that the Deep Navy’s bottoming out is consistent, providing a clear tactile feedback, whereas the Zero Degree’s lack of specified bottom out force leaves it ambiguous. Overall, the Deep Navy switch offers a lighter feel in both actuation and bottom out, while the Gateron Zero Degree offers a heavier actuation force, potentially providing a more pronounced typing experience for users who prefer that characteristic.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they deliver a similar tactile experience when pressed. Since both switches share this same travel distance, users can expect similar actuation responses across the two options, making either choice favorable for those seeking a consistent key feel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no distinction, and both switches will yield the same results in terms of keypress depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° lines itself up as a leader in silent operation with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which minimizes sound production during typing. While the Deep Navy delivers a more pronounced acoustic signature, the Zero Degree 0° offers a muted and subdued sound, aiming to reduce noise levels significantly. Ultimately, both switches can exhibit different auditory results based on the accompanying keyboard and keycap materials used, suggesting that preferences in sound can be highly subjective and varied.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is revered for its silky smoothness, thanks to the Ly stem, which offers a fluid and satisfying keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° provides an exceptionally soft and elastic feel, emphasizing stability and cushioning with its unique design. Both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, but the Deep Navy leans towards a more traditional linear feel, while the Zero Degree 0° targets a more responsive and cushioned touch. For those seeking a seamless typing experience, both options provide their own distinct approach.

In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches serve similar purposes as smooth and linear options, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Deep Navy stands out with its crisp acoustics and smooth keystrokes, while the Zero Degree 0° excels in delivering a quiet, soft experience that absorbs sound effectively. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory feedback or a near-silent experience, with both switches promising satisfying performance overall.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, your primary preferences will dictate your choice. If you crave an engaging typing experience characterized by a distinct sound profile and light actuation force—ideal for both casual typing and gaming—the Deep Navy switch would be the better fit. Its rich audio feedback and smooth keystrokes make it perfect for users who enjoy an auditory aspect to their typing. On the other hand, if your typing environment demands silence and you prioritize a soft, elastic feel with exceptional smoothness, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is your go-to option. Its unique self-padding design ensures a whisper-quiet experience, making it suitable for more professional settings or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. Ultimately, consider the ambiance you’ll be typing in and whether you value sound and tactile feedback over silence and ultra-smoothness, as either option offers a distinctly rewarding typing experience tailored to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

Learn more