HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can significantly impact your performance and comfort. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lightweight actuation force and a seamless typing experience without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown stands out as a tactile switch that merges traditional keystroke nostalgia with modern innovation, featuring a medium-heavy actuation weight and a single-stage spring that provides a satisfying tactile bump. While the Gravel is perfect for users seeking effortless gliding and speed during typing or gaming sessions, the Jupiter Brown appeals to those who appreciate feedback and a more structured keystroke feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches share a striking similarity in their top housing material, with both using polycarbonate. This choice of material leads to a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, characteristic of polycarbonate's rigidity. The stiffness of this plastic ensures clarity and resonance in the sounds produced by the switches. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting. When used in keyboards with illuminated features, these switches will deliver a vibrant visual effect alongside their notable sonic properties.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Gravel and Jupiter Brown switches is made from nylon, which introduces a different acoustic quality to the typing experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper notes generated by the polycarbonate tops. This differentiation in material means that while both switches produce a distinctive sound when pressed, the experience of bottoming out is more muted and rounded due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties at the base. Consequently, the combination of the materials creates a balanced auditory profile: clear and crisp from the top while deep and resonant from the bottom.

Ultimately, the synergy of the polycarbonate top housing and the nylon bottom housing in both switches yields a unique typing experience that harmonizes the best of both worlds. While the top housing emphasizes brightness and clarity, the bottom housing softens and enriches the overall sound produced when the key is activated. Therefore, when considering the sound profile of each switch, users can expect similar, albeit nuanced, results due to the shared materials. Whether typing at a rapid pace or performing a delicate key strike, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon effectively caters to a diverse range of user preferences, making both the Gravel and Jupiter Brown compelling choices within the tactile switch market.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Gravel switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a softer touch that allows for prolonged typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during extended gaming. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial feel that is often preferred by users looking for increased tactile feedback and a stronger push during typing. Thus, the Gravel is the lighter option while the Jupiter Brown is heavier, making the Gravel more suitable for long typing periods and the Jupiter Brown better for those seeking a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter actuation distance, which can provide quicker response times that are often favored by gamers seeking speed in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown's greater travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference; those who prioritize responsiveness may lean towards the Gravel, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress might favor the Jupiter Brown.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is characterized by a smooth and quiet operation, which is typical for linear switches. This acoustic profile allows for a more subdued typing experience that won't be disruptive in shared environments. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch produces a noticeable sound during actuation, albeit not excessively loud. This sound profile adds a layer of auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response but isn't jarring enough to cause distraction. Keep in mind that the overall sound can vary based on the choice of keyboard, construction, and keycap materials, so individual setups may yield different results.

In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch offers a notably smooth and refined typing experience, emphasizing effortless key presses that make for a pleasant typing rhythm. With a medium-light actuation force, it caters to typists who appreciate quick response times without requiring significant finger effort. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown is designed with a more traditional tactile feedback. Its mild bump during actuation provides a clear indication of key engagement, while the polished finish contributes to a smooth experience. The stepped tactile feel also offers a gentle distinction between pre-travel and post-travel, making it approachable to users who favor a balanced tactile experience without being overly aggressive.

Overall, the HMX Gravel and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer distinct yet appealing typing experiences suited for different preferences. The Gravel’s smooth linear action provides a seamless typing flow that's ideal for users seeking a quieter option, while the Jupiter Brown’s tactile feedback creates an engaging and responsive experience for those who appreciate a more traditional keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and quietness or tactile feedback and sound. Given their respective characteristics, both can deliver satisfactory results based on your typing style, and each caters to a unique audience within the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider your typing habits and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Gravel switches are ideal for you. Their exceptional smoothness and refined feel make them perfect for long typing sessions, whether for work or casual use, where you want to minimize fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile response and prefer a more traditional keystroke feel, you might find the Gateron Jupiter Browns more appealing. With their heavier actuation force and mild stepped tactile feedback, they provide a satisfying physical indication that you’ve registered a keypress, which can enhance accuracy during typing or gaming. Additionally, if you're looking for a middle-ground switch that combines both comfort and a classic mechanical feel, the Jupiter Browns will serve you well. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just the typing experience you seek, but also the kind of work or activities you'll be engaging in most frequently.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more