Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Gravel both offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lighter feel, delivers a smooth keystroke complemented by an enjoyable travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize a swift and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switches stand out for their exceptional smoothness and refined feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Both switches are linear, bearing the hallmark of quiet operation and uninterrupted strokes, but they cater to slightly different typing styles. The Glory Red leans toward a more lightweight touch, while the Gravel balances a smooth typing experience with a moderate resistance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and HMX Gravel switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic qualities. The Glory Red's top housing is made of nylon, a classic material known for its softer properties. As a result, switches utilizing nylon tend to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively, dampening higher frequencies and creating a duller sound. In contrast, the Gravel's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound, making it ideal for applications where brightness and auditory precision are preferred. Thus, while both switches serve the same purpose in a mechanical keyboard, their top housing materials lead to markedly different auditory experiences.
However, the bottom housings of both the Glory Red and Gravel switches share the same material—nylon. This consistency means that both switches will produce a similar deep and full sound profile when the key is bottomed out, as nylon tends to absorb sound and create a rounder acoustic output. Regardless of the distinctions in the top housing's material, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the overall feel and sound when the key is pressed down will be predominantly influenced by the softer sound characteristic of nylon. Therefore, users can expect a consistent bottoming experience across both switches, allowing for deeper and fuller auditory output during key presses.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Gravel switches lead to varied acoustic experiences, with the nylon of the Glory Red favoring softer, deeper tones and the polycarbonate of the Gravel enhancing sharper, crisper sounds. Yet, the semblance in the bottom housing—both utilizing nylon—means that when it comes to the actuation and bottom-out experience, users will enjoy a similar auditory feedback, regardless of the switch type. This duality illustrates how different materials can harmonize to create a unique yet cohesive typing experience, balancing both sound profile diversity and consistency in key press interaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar feel when pressing a key to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force diverges, as the Gravel switch has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red remains unknown. This characteristic means that while both switches are equally light in terms of actuation, the Gravel offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Consequently, users who favor a lighter touch and prolonged typing might lean towards the Glory Red, while those seeking a weightier, more deliberate keystroke may find the Gravel to be more satisfying. Thus, while both switches have the same actuation force, the distinction in bottom out force caters to varying preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the Glory Red exhibits a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gravel presents a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although these distances are relatively close, the Glory Red offers a marginally deeper feel, which might appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the Gravel's shorter travel distance may be more attractive to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor a more responsive experience, the Gravel may be the way to go, whereas those who enjoy a fuller key press might prefer the Gateron Glory Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by a relatively quiet operation, allowing for a serene typing environment that appeals to users who prefer a discreet experience. The sound profile is subtle yet pleasant, making it suitable for both office settings and quiet personal spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switch is also designed for a subdued auditory response, with an emphasis on smoothness. Like the Glory Red, the Gravel's sound will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but it is generally recognized for its refined acoustics, which many enthusiasts appreciate.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it an enjoyable option for lengthy typing sessions. Its lighter actuation force contributes to a relaxed typing experience, while still offering enough feedback to keep each keystroke intentional. In similar fashion, the HMX Gravel switch gives users exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel. It has a medium-light actuation force that leans slightly toward the lighter side, which also results in a responsive and effortless typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying feel, making them excellent choices for those who prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing surface.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Gravel linear switches offer a quiet sound profile and a smooth, enjoyable typing experience, though the specifics of each switch cater to slightly different preferences. Users can expect a similar overall outcome in terms of experience, especially in terms of sound and feel, making either switch a solid choice depending on their individual preferences for typing dynamics and sound aesthetics. Whether you opt for the Glory Red or the Gravel, you are likely to find a satisfying typing companion in either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red and HMX Gravel linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a smooth keystroke with a lighter touch that allows for effortless typing, the Gateron Glory Red switch may be ideal for you. It’s designed to provide a very enjoyable travel distance and is perfect for fast typists or gamers who want to achieve rapid key presses with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a slightly firmer bottom-out force and appreciate a refined typing feel, the HMX Gravel switch could be your best bet. With its medium-light actuation force that still leans towards lighter, it ensures a responsive experience without being overly taxing on your fingers. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize the smoothest possible experience with lighter actuation (Gateron Glory Red) or if you prefer something that offers a touch more resistance for a more tactile feel while still maintaining smoothness (HMX Gravel).
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