HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Ink Yellow both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking a seamless typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it provides a responsive touch that leans toward a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a shorter travel distance and is ideal for those who prefer a typing experience that bridges the gap between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. Characterized by a pleasant smoothness combined with a distinct clacky sound, the Ink Yellow is perfect for users who appreciate both feedback and performance. Each switch presents distinct advantages, catering to different preferences and use cases; 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 Yellow Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches, notable differences in sound profiles stem from their distinct top housings. The Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an assertive auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, producing a pointed yet balanced sound profile that is characterized as clacky without crossing over into overly sharp territory. While both materials yield higher-pitched sounds, the polycarbonate’s stiffness provides a more pronounced clarity, whereas the INK blend offers a satisfying sharpness while being slightly softened.

The differences continue with the bottom housing, where the Gravel uses nylon, a classic and softer material, while the Ink Yellow also features the proprietary INK blend. The nylon bottom housing of the Gravel contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption characteristic lends a duller and rounder quality to the sound produced, making the overall typing experience feel cushioned and rich. Conversely, the Ink Yellow’s bottom housing maintains a similar pointed high-pitched sound profile produced by the INK blend, although the effects of this soft material will likely be less pronounced compared to the nylon. Therefore, while both switch types maintain an element of crispness, the Gravel's switching mechanism is designed to yield a more complex auditory result due to the contrasting soft and hard materials at play.

Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct top and bottom housing materials reveals how each switch synthesizes its sound profiles. For example, the HMX Gravel combines the clear, sharp audio characteristics of polycarbonate with the deeper, fuller sounds of nylon, resulting in a versatile auditory experience that emphasizes depth and clarity. Meanwhile, the Gateron Ink Yellow, with both its top and bottom housing composed of the same INK blend, will produce a more consistent and linear sound experience. Users looking for a specific type of sound can find a suitable key feel from either switch, as both produce unique yet compelling auditory experiences. While their material choices vary, comparable care in the design and construction of these switches ensures that both models can achieve satisfying acoustic results through their respective housing combinations.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch present contrasting options in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Gravel boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Yellow has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who prefer a stronger tactile response for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, users seeking a more lightweight feel would gravitate toward the Gravel, while those who favor a firmer push would likely choose the Ink Yellow. Overall, these differences highlight how individual preferences in force dynamics can significantly impact the typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar keypress depth when using either switch. This identical travel distance allows for a consistent tactile feedback and keystroke response in both switches, making them suitable for users who appreciate a lightweight and smooth typing experience. Since they have the same travel distance, individuals can expect comparable performance and comfort, regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switches offer an experience that is not explicitly defined but is generally associated with a smooth and refined acoustic profile, likely providing a quieter typing experience conducive to focused work or casual gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switches produce a neutral sound that is moderate in both actuation force and audible feedback, making them versatile for various environments, from home to office. However, they are also noted for their clacky nature, which adds a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. This makes the Ink Yellow switches more vibrant in sound, likely catering to those who enjoy a noticeable auditory feedback while typing.

In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switches stand out for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience. They feature a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter end, providing an effortless and responsive typing sensation. Conversely, the Ink Yellow switches are described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience that balances well between accessibility and tactile feedback. They also benefit from a polished finish, lending to a smooth and refined key travel that reduces friction, thereby enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, though the Gravel leans more towards a fluid and smooth interaction, while the Ink Yellow combines smoothness with approachable characteristics.

In summary, both the HMX Gravel and Gateron Ink Yellow switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. For sound, the Gravel is likely quieter and smoother, while the Ink Yellow presents a more pronounced and lively clackiness. The Gravel encourages a polished, fluid typing feel, whereas the Ink Yellow balances a mild experience with a smooth delivery. Ultimately, both switches will provide rewarding typing experiences; however, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more refined, quiet feel or a lively, clacky sound with a gentle touch.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force, combined with its refined tactility, makes it suitable for those who type for extended periods and seek a satisfying yet responsive feel. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a medium-heavy typing experience with a shorter travel time that bridges the gap between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be more aligned with your needs. With its 67-gram bottom-out force, this switch not only delivers a clacky sound profile but also offers a polished and mild feel that can be appealing for both casual and professional settings. Therefore, consider how you feel about actuation forces, sound characteristics, and the overall typing experience to make the best decision that suits your style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more