HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Gateron Ink Red linear switches both offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, boasting a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless feel, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a balanced and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switches feature a lower actuation force, appealing to individuals with a lighter typing style. Known for their smooth operation and a crispy, clacky sound profile, these switches deliver an engaging auditory feedback while still allowing for comfortable typing. While both switches are stellar options for linear switch enthusiasts, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Gateron Ink Red switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness allows for a more pronounced resonance, especially in the context of a switch that is designed to complement RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Red employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also delivers a higher-pitched sound profile, but it is characterized as being less sharp and more clacky. While both switches aim for a more pronounced auditory experience, the Gravel may achieve a more defined resonance, whereas the Ink Red balances clarity with an engaging clackiness.

In terms of the bottom housings, both switches opt for their respective proprietary blends, but the impact on sound and feel diverges due to the materials used. The Gravel utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is typical for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more efficiently than harder materials, thus contributing to a rounder acoustic experience when typing. Conversely, the Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing shares an emphasis on maintaining a pointed, higher-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. However, the hardness of the INK blend may cause it to resonate differently than nylon, creating an overall sound that remains cohesive yet distinct between the dynamics of each housing.

In conclusion, while both the Gravel and Ink Red switches incorporate different housing materials that contribute uniquely to their performance, they share a commonality in their pursuit of delivering pronounced sound profiles. The Gravel's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom create a synthesis that emphasizes clarity and depth, ideal for a balanced experience. Meanwhile, the Ink Red's combination of INK blend in both top and bottom housings provides a consistent sound profile that honors a slightly different auditory experience, leaning into a clacky quality that many typists enjoy. Taking these distinctions into account, users can achieve similar results in sound clarity and quality by carefully considering the types of materials used in each switch’s construction, thus influencing their overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, the actuation force reveals an intriguing similarity. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams to register a keystroke, making them equal in this regard. However, when examining the bottom out force, the differences emerge; the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Ink Red switch features a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This distinction indicates that while both switches provide a light actuation, the Gravel switch is generally more forgiving, as it bottoms out with less force. Consequently, the Gravel is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as during long work hours or extensive gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Red appeals to those who favor a more substantial feel during key presses, catering to users who appreciate a stronger push in their keyboard experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more compact movement. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel of the Ink Red could be preferable for users who favor a more substantial keystroke, as it provides a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Gravel would be the better choice, while the Ink Red may be better suited for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switches are relatively unknown. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switches have a distinct auditory profile characterized as both neutral and chirpy. The neutral aspect allows for versatility, making them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office, catering to both beginners and seasoned typists. Meanwhile, the chirpy quality adds a unique character to the switches, giving them a slight squeak that sets them apart. It's essential to keep in mind that sound is influenced by factors like the keyboard's overall build and the choice of keycaps, so there may be some variability in how each switch sounds in practice.

Regarding feel, the HMX Gravel switches are known for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, though specific descriptors were not provided. The Ink Red switches are celebrated for their silky smoothness, providing an effortless and satisfying typing sensation with minimal resistance. They are also categorized as mild and polished, which suggests that they offer a more gentle and approachable typing experience. The overall smoothness of these switches is enhanced by either material quality or factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.

In summary, while the sound profile of the HMX Gravel switches remains unspecified, the Gateron Ink Red switches present a versatile auditory experience that blends neutrality with a distinctive chirp. In terms of feel, the Gravel offers a sublime, smooth typing sensation, while the Ink Reds stand out for their silky, mild, and polished characteristics, leading to an effortlessly enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer one over the other, keep in mind that both switches aim to deliver a smooth and responsive experience, making them excellent choices for any mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth, refined typing experience combined with a lighter actuation force, the Gravel switch would likely be your best choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suited for those who enjoy an effortless typing feel, perfect for long typing sessions or when you require a swift response. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, along with a unique chirpy sound profile, the Ink Red switch may be more appealing. This switch's silky and polished characteristics cater well to both casual and professional users, making it a fantastic all-around option for diverse settings. Therefore, assess your typing style, sound preferences, and the nature of your usage to determine which switch aligns better with your needs, ensuring you create a keyboard setup that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more