HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different tactile preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Gravel switch, a linear option renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, offers a medium-light actuation force that promotes a responsive and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch stands out with its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, characterized by a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, appealing to users who enjoy a more clacky and high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. Both switches provide unique advantages tailored to specific user preferences and typing styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it becomes evident that each switch’s unique characteristics stem from its individual components. The Gravel switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as its translucency allows the light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. While both materials can create a bright audio experience, the polycarbonate of the Gravel offers a more distinctly sharp profile, while the Ink's proprietary blend emphasizes a satisfying clack.

The bottom housings of the two switches diverge in a way that impacts their overall sound profiles significantly. The Gravel employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer, sound-absorbing properties. As a result, the Gravel is likely to exhibit a duller and rounder sound when compared to its top housing. Conversely, the Ink Box Black also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, maintaining a consistency in sound with a pointed and high-pitched quality that aligns with its top housing. This design choice indicates that while the Ink Box Black may produce a higher-pitched sound regardless of whether the key is depressed or released, the Gravel differentiates itself by offering a richer sound experience during the bottoming out, thanks to its nylon component.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials play a crucial role in defining the overall auditory experience of each switch. The interplay between the sharper polycarbonate top of the Gravel and its softer nylon bottom creates a distinct sound profile that merges crispness with depth. In contrast, the Ink Box Black benefits from a more homogenous sound due to its proprietary INK blend used in both top and bottom housing, yielding a consistent, clacky sound whether pressed or released. Therefore, users seeking an experience that marries clarity with warmth may gravitate towards the Gravel, while those who favor a light, engaging sound with less depth might prefer the Ink Box Black. Each switch provides a unique, tailored typing experience, influenced primarily by the distinct materials employed in their construction.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we see a clear distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may find preferable for more tactile feedback. The Gravel's lighter feel can help reduce fatigue over long periods, while the Ink Box Black’s heavier forces cater to those seeking a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, as users who enjoy a lighter touch will favor the HMX Gravel, whereas those who prefer a firmer key press should opt for the Gateron Ink Box Black.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer slight differences in their travel distances, with the Gravel measuring 3.5 mm and the Ink Box Black at 3.6 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option by 0.1 mm, which may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, particularly gamers who benefit from shorter travel distances. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when pressing keys, which some users appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. Thus, users who prioritize speed might lean towards the Gravel, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press might find the Ink Box Black more satisfying. Overall, although their travel distances are close, the distinction could influence individual preferences based on the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, the Gravel lacks detailed auditory characteristics in the provided information. In contrast, the Ink Box Black is described with a clacky sound signature, marked by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality when pressed. It also features a high-pitched sound that appeals to those who prefer a sharper auditory profile over richer, more bass-heavy sounds. Thus, while the Gravel's sound remains unspecified, the Ink Box Black offers a pronounced and engaging auditory experience, making it potentially more noticeable in action.

Regarding the feel, the Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that contributes to an effortless typing sensation. This allows for a typing experience that is responsive while still maintaining a satisfying level of smoothness. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is noted for its silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, largely due to its refined finish and potentially factory lubing. Both switches promise a smooth typing experience, though the Gravel may edge ahead in overall refinement and responsiveness.

In summary, while both the HMX Gravel and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, they differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The Gravel's sound characteristics remain ambiguous, while the Ink Box Black offers a distinct clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. Ultimately, if a user seeks a particularly engaging sound signature, the Ink Box Black may be the better option, whereas those prioritizing a refined and responsive feel might lean towards the Gravel for its buttery smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter feel in your keystrokes and desire a smooth, effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel switch is your ideal choice. Its bottom-out force of 50 grams lends itself well to extended typing sessions, making it a great option for those who favor speed and responsiveness, particularly in gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance with medium-heavy actuation at 70 grams and seek a smoother yet slightly more tactile feedback, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be more suitable. Its unique sound profile—a clacky, high-pitched character—makes it enjoyable for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Furthermore, the Ink Box Black's silky and polished feel can provide a refined, satisfying experience for users who value both sound and touch in their keyboard interactions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, comfort level, and whether you prioritize a lighter key pressure or a more substantial feel.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more