TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the right fit for your typing style. The TTC Bluish White switches provide a tactile experience that is characterized by their satisfyingly poppy feedback and snappy sound profile. This makes them an ideal choice for users who enjoy a pronounced actuation point and a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switches offer a completely different sensation, emphasizing smoothness and a lightweight actuation that caters to those who prefer a fluid, effortless feel while typing. With their refined touch and responsiveness, these linear switches allow for quicker keystrokes, appealing to gamers and fast typists alike. Each switch presents its own unique advantages, with the Bluish White focusing on tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, while the Gravel excels in smoothness and ease of use. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Gravel utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for applications where audio clarity is paramount. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of switches equipped with this material. Since both switches share this design component, they promise comparable performance in sound quality and illumination effects, ensuring a visually captivating backdrop with vibrant lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Gravel is constructed from nylon, which delivers a distinctly different auditory experience. Nylon, known for its softer properties, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This material choice results in a less resonant and rounder auditory experience when typing, contrasting sharply with the sound profile established by polycarbonate. As such, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing and polycarbonate for the top ensures a blend of auditory characteristics; the nylon absorbs vibrations and dampens sound, while the polycarbonate sharpens and clarifies the overall sound when a key is released.
Ultimately, the two switch models exhibit a harmonious interplay of materials, with the unique properties of each material contributing to the overall feel and sound signature. When engaging with the switches, users will experience the nylon's fuller and more muffled sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate's crispness becomes pronounced when releasing the key. This blend not only showcases the advantages of both materials but also allows users to enjoy a well-rounded typing experience, merging the best of both worlds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, both present intriguing characteristics that appeal to different user preferences. The Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gravel switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Bluish White the lighter option, providing an easier keystroke that may be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Gravel's actuation force, being heavier, might appeal to those who seek a more substantial tactile feedback, making it potentially preferable for users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Ultimately, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the lighter actuation force of the Bluish White may lead to a less tiring experience, whereas the Gravel could offer more satisfying resistance for those who favor a stronger typing sensation.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they offer identical performance in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This means users can expect a similar keypress feel and responsiveness from both switches. With both switches having the same travel distance, users will likely experience similar tactile feedback and actuation points, making them comparable choices for those seeking uniformity in their keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Bluish White and HMX Gravel switches, the Bluish White stands out with its low-pitched, snappy sound, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience. This bass-heavy tone provides a certain warmth that many users find appealing, especially in a mechanical keyboard setting. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gravel switches remain unspecified; thus, it’s difficult to directly compare the auditory experience offered by these two options. However, it’s important to note that switch sound can be influenced by various external factors like the keyboard's build and the keycaps used, which is true for both switch types.
In terms of tactile feel, the TTC Bluish White excels with its buttery and polished characteristics, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke that ensures a refined typing experience. The switch combines a mild resistance with a stepped tactile sensation, allowing for a nuanced touch that many users enjoy. This gentle yet engaging feedback can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Gravel switches are not provided, leaving a gap in the direct comparison. Without as much information, one might still expect a solid typing experience from the Gravel, though the specific qualities remain a mystery.
In summary, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is characterized by a satisfying low-pitched sound and a refined tactile feel, making it a strong choice for those who enjoy a pronounced yet smooth typing experience. The Gravel linear switch, although lacking detailed information regarding its sound and feel, is positioned as a contender for keyboard enthusiasts seeking exceptional smoothness. While the Bluish White offers a more defined tactile experience, the Gravel's qualities may still prove appealing for those who prefer linear switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and potential users can expect enjoyable experiences from either option, depending on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between satisfaction and subtlety, the Bluish White will likely serve you well. Its low-pitched sound profile and tactile feel deliver a snappy and enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for those who favor a poppy keystroke while maintaining a gentle typing atmosphere suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and effortless actuation above all else, the HMX Gravel linear switch is your best bet. With its medium-light actuation and refined response, this switch caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a fluid and smooth feel, making it excellent for both gaming and long typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, consider how tactile feedback and sound impact your typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
