HMX Gravel vs. Jerrzi Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Jerrzi Orange both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite being categorized as linear switches. The Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive, effortless typing experience. This makes it a great choice for those who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switches are known for their lively, clacky feedback, offering a lightweight feel combined with audible responsiveness. Ideal for individuals who enjoy a bit of character in their typing with a more dynamic feedback, the Orange switches cater to those looking for a spirited experience. While both switches are designed to enhance your keyboard experience, their contrasting characteristics might cater to different 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

Jerrzi Orange Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Jerrzi Orange switches share a commonality in their top housing, as both are constructed from polycarbonate. This material is renowned for producing a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, largely due to its inherent stiffness. The ability of polycarbonate to resonate sound clearly makes it an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts who favor a defined auditory experience when typing. Additionally, its translucency allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switch types, particularly when illuminated.

In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, a choice that fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's distinctive soft plastic characteristics contribute to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a warmer and rounder auditory experience when typing. As a classic material in switch design, nylon's presence in the Gravel and Orange serves to balance the sharper sounds of their polycarbonate tops, leading to a nuanced and enjoyable typing experience. This interplay between hard and soft materials allows both switches to cater to diverse auditory preferences.

Ultimately, the structural design of these switches illustrates how their different materials complement rather than oppose each other. While the polycarbonate top of both the Gravel and Orange emphasizes clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom softens the overall sound profile, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience. Users can expect a consistent sound signature across both switch types, where the combination of nylon's absorbing qualities with polycarbonate's resonant characteristics produces a harmonious balance. Thus, despite any superficial differences, users will achieve similar auditory outcomes when using the Gravel and Jerrzi Orange, ensuring a pleasant and cohesive experience.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch display notable differences in their actuation forces, impacting their performance and user experience. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option that may be favorable for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switch features a lower actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter than the Gravel, which can enhance responsiveness and ease of use. However, the bottom out force for the Orange switch remains unknown, leaving uncertainty regarding the feedback it provides when fully pressed down. This lack of information makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons on bottoming out. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences— with the Gravel providing a slightly heavier typing experience and more defined bottoming out—the Jerrzi Orange is the lighter option overall, appealing to users seeking a more effortless keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Orange linear switches, the Gravel measures 3.5 mm, while the Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Gravel is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that caters well to gamers who benefit from quicker key activation. On the other hand, the Orange, with its greater travel distance, offers a deeper and more substantial pressing experience that some users might prefer for a more satisfying tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and rapid key presses, the HMX Gravel would be the better choice, while the Jerrzi Orange would appeal to those who appreciate a heftier key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch is characterized by its smooth acoustics, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without any jarring noise. This contrasts sharply with the Jerrzi Orange switch, which operates with a notable clackiness and produces a crisp, bright sound with each keystroke. While the Gravel’s subdued nature leans toward a more muted typing noise that’s less intrusive, the Orange is lively and engaging, making it more suitable for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. It's important to remember that sound can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard case and keycap materials, but generally, expect the Gravel to be quieter and the Orange to provide an audible, snappy response.

In referencing the feel of each switch, the HMX Gravel exudes exceptional smoothness with a medium-light actuation force, resulting in an effortless and refined typing experience. Users will appreciate the seamless feedback with little resistance, fostering an environment conducive to comfortable and extended typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch provides a feathery lightness and an easy-to-press action, amplifying this effortless quality. It requires minimal force to actuate, which reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches aim to reduce strain during prolonged use, but the Gravel emphasizes a smooth tactile response while the Orange focuses on a lively and quick-actuating experience.

In conclusion, the HMX Gravel and Jerrzi Orange switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, offering unique experiences to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gravel is ideal for those who seek a quieter, smoother typing sensation, while the Orange appeals to users who crave engaging auditory feedback combined with an exceptionally light touch. Overall, while both switches provide comfort and reduce fatigue, they do so in distinctly different ways, allowing newcomers to choose based on their personal typing style and acoustic preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, your intended use and preferences will play a significant role in your decision. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a light bottom-out force, the Gravel is an excellent choice for you. Its responsive nature offers an effortless feel, making it ideal for long hours of typing or gaming without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more lively and engaging experience with crisp, audible feedback, the Jerrzi Orange switch might be more suited to your taste. Its clacky sound profile and feathery touch create a dynamic typing environment, perfect for those who appreciate a more vibrant interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preference: go for the Gravel for a subtle, smooth experience, or choose the Orange for a lively, auditory typing adventure.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Orange Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more