Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and HMX Gravel offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. The Aliaz, revered for its silent design, is an excellent choice for quiet workplaces, allowing users to engage in a tactile typing experience without the disruptive noise. With a medium-heavy weight, each keystroke delivers a noticeable feedback that is both substantial and satisfying, making it ideal for those who appreciate a touch of tactile reassurance in their typing. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and responsiveness, featuring a medium-light actuation force that results in an effortless and fluid typing experience. Perfect for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who crave a rapid and uninterrupted keystroke, the Gravel excels in scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. While both switches have their unique strengths, the choice ultimately depends on your personal typing style and environmental considerations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Gravel switches, a notable aspect is the material used for their top housings, both of which are made from polycarbonate. This common characteristic contributes to a similar auditory experience, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, making these switches ideal for users who prioritize the clarity of key presses, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting. The translucence of the polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal, enabling an illuminated glow that accentuates the design of the switches.
However, the distinction lies prominently in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sound profile's clarity and sharpness throughout the entire actuation. In contrast, the Gravel employs a nylon bottom housing, which introduces a contrasting sound characteristic that is deeper and fuller. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone upon key presses. This difference in material fundamentally affects the auditory feedback a user experiences when bottoming out the switches, highlighting the divergence between the two despite their similarities in the top housing.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Aliaz and HMX Gravel utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the variation in their bottom housing materials leads to distinct sonic profiles. Users of the Aliaz will enjoy a consistently crisp sound from top to bottom due to the uniform use of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Gravel's combination of polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms fosters a dynamic sound experience, emphasizing the depth and roundness that nylon provides during key presses. Ultimately, the selection between these switches will hinge on individual preferences regarding sound profile and tactile feedback, as the material variations distinctly shape the overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, we observe a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gravel switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those seeking a more effortless keystroke, which can be especially beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, if you're inclined toward a lighter touch, the Gravel would be the better choice, while the Aliaz caters more to those who favor a firmer push. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will experience contrasting levels of feedback and effort required when using these switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, it is evident that they differ notably in design and feel. The Aliaz switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gravel switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Aliaz the longer option, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke that provides a hearty depth, which can enhance typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gravel’s 3.5 mm distance aligns with modern gaming preferences, offering quicker response times that are often favored in competitive scenarios. For users who prioritize a responsive experience, the shorter Gravel switch would be a preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper feel might gravitate towards the Aliaz switch for its more traditional travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz switches excel in quiet environments with their muted design, producing a softer and quieter sound profile compared to traditional mechanical switches. The focus on minimizing noise makes them ideal for office settings or shared spaces, where excessive keystroke sounds may be disruptive. The HMX Gravel switches, on the other hand, do not have a mentioned sound profile, leaving their acoustic quality unknown. Given that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap choice, the Aliaz switches are recommended for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches provide a unique combination of silky and polished sensations. This means they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during keystrokes, contributing to a refined and premium feel. The medium-heavy actuation force adds to the substantial feedback upon pressing a key, giving typists a clear indication of their actions without being harsh. In contrast, the Gravel switches are noted for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel but do not offer further details on their tactile characteristics or force feedback. As such, the Aliaz's medium-heavy weight contrasts with the Gravel's medium-light actuation push, which may lead to different experiences in terms of responsiveness and effort during typing.
Conclusively, while the Gateron Aliaz switches provide a notable advantage in sound insulation suitable for quiet environments, the HMX Gravel switches shine with their smooth and refined feel, though their sound characteristics remain unclear. The Aliaz switches cater to users who seek both tactile feedback and discretion, whereas the Gravel switches may appeal to those desiring a more effortless and fluid typing experience. Depending on your priorities, either switch could meet your needs, but your choice might hinge on whether you prefer the subdued acoustics of the Aliaz or the lighter engagement of the Gravel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, your preferences and typing environment play crucial roles in making the right decision. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience in a shared or office setting, the Aliaz is an exceptional choice due to its muted sound profile and substantial 75-gram actuation force that provides satisfying tactile feedback. The silky and polished feel of the Aliaz adds to the overall experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced response from their keystrokes without the disruptive noise. Conversely, if you desire a lighter and smoother typing experience that enhances speed and responsiveness, the Gravel would be better suited for you. With a light 50-gram actuation force, it offers a refined and seamless typing feel, perfect for gaming or extended typing sessions where agility is essential. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the tactile feedback and quiet operation of the Aliaz or the effortless smoothness and lighter feel of the HMX Gravel.
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