HMX EVA vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX EVA and HMX Gravel are two standout choices, each boasting unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX EVA draws inspiration from the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, delivering a resonant sound signature paired with a delightfully silky typing feel, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Gravel is revered for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience; it features a medium-light actuation force that offers a responsive and effortless feel, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and speed in their keystrokes. While both switches fall into the linear category and promise a whisper-quiet typing experience, their distinctive characteristics may sway your decision depending on your priorities. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EVA and HMX Gravel switches differ significantly in the materials used for their top housings, which greatly affects the overall sound profile and typing experience. The EVA is equipped with a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience, which many users appreciate for its warmth and rich tonal quality. Conversely, the Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clear auditory output, producing crisper keystrokes. These fundamental differences in their top housing materials create distinct sound personalities for each switch type that cater to various user preferences.
While the top housings of the EVA and Gravel switches are different and significantly influence the overall sound, both switches share nylon as their material for the bottom housing. Both the EVA and Gravel utilize nylon, which brings a consistent experience to the bottom portion of each switch. This use of the same material for the bottom housing means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound during key presses. This commonality helps to unify the sound profile, regardless of the contrasting characteristics contributed by their respective top housings. The shared softness of nylon ensures that users of both switches will still enjoy a degree of sound absorption and a rounded acoustic experience when the keys are pressed down.
In conclusion, despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the HMX EVA and Gravel, the similarities found in their nylon bottom housings balance the sound profiles of both switches. The EVA’s nylon top and bottom work together to provide a warm, full auditory experience, while the Gravel's polycarbonate top combines with the nylon bottom to create a clear and crisp sound. By understanding how the varying materials influence the acoustic output, users can make informed choices based on their personal preferences and intended usage, knowing that the shared nylon bottom housing will provide a consistent and pleasant bottoming out experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged use without excessive strain. The EVA boasts an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Gravel has slightly higher values at 45 grams for actuation and 50 grams for bottom out. This means that the EVA is the lighter switch, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gravel provides a slightly stronger push feel, which may be preferred by those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches will offer comparable overall performance due to their relatively close weight specifications.
Travel distance
The HMX EVA linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the HMX Gravel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the EVA the longer option by just 0.1 mm, which may provide a marginally more pronounced feel during key presses. While both travel distances are relatively close and fall within the trend of shorter distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times, the slightly longer travel of the EVA could cater to users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, those who favor rapid keystrokes might lean towards the Gravel for its shorter travel distance, which could facilitate faster actuation. Therefore, choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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
The HMX EVA linear switch offers a resonant sound signature that distinguishes it in the realm of mechanical switches, providing a unique auditory experience that can add character to your typing routine. In contrast, the HMX Gravel linear switch focuses on a refined acoustic profile, designed to enhance the overall typing experience without being distracting. It's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction, materials, and the type of keycaps used, but enthusiasts can expect a more nuanced auditory experience with the EVA due to its resonant nature.
When it comes to feel, the EVA is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, providing a luxurious sensation as each key is pressed. This smoothness enhances typing comfort and responsiveness, making it a great option for those who appreciate a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Gravel switch is also recognized for its exceptional smoothness, combining this quality with a medium-light actuation force. The Gravel's lighter actuation makes it particularly appealing for users who desire a less strenuous typing effort while still enjoying a consistent and effortless tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX EVA and Gravel linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The EVA's resonant sound and silky smoothness appeal to those seeking a rich auditory and tactile experience, while the Gravel’s refined smoothness paired with a lighter actuation force makes it a suitable choice for users who prefer ease of use. While both switches share a foundation of smoothness, the specific sound and feel characteristics will influence the ultimate choice depending on individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX EVA and HMX Gravel linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who enjoys a slightly lighter touch and appreciates a distinct sound signature along with a unique aesthetic inspired by Evangelion, the HMX EVA switch may be the right choice for you. This switch offers a resonant sound and a silky smooth typing experience, making it an excellent option for both gaming and typing for those who enjoy thematic designs. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel in a more neutral setting, the HMX Gravel switch might be your best option. With a medium-light actuation force and an emphasis on smoothness without any additional auditory character, it caters well to a more versatile keyboard experience suitable for both work and leisure. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important for your needs—be it a personalized aesthetic with engaging sound or an elegant, understated typing experience.
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