HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each offers a unique typing experience suited to various preferences. The HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it a prime choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and a lighter touch. With a medium-light actuation force, Gravel switches provide an effortless typing experience that many enthusiasts find highly desirable. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches cater to users who enjoy a more substantial feel with their medium-heavy actuation force. Known for their smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, these switches incorporate high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, appealing to those who appreciate a consistent and engaging typing experience. While both switches fall within the linear category, their differing actuation forces and tactile sensations can significantly influence comfort and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Jupiter Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top sections, leading to a striking resemblance in their sound profiles. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that many gamers and typists find desirable, especially when RGB lighting is involved. The clear nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to pass through, but it also contributes to a resonant audio experience, which can elevate the overall enjoyment of using the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Gravel and Jupiter Red switches is made from nylon, a material noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is relatively softer than polycarbonate, it has a dampening effect on sound vibrations, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. This combination of materials leads to an interesting dynamic: while both switches share sharp, clear sounds on the top end, the bottom housing's influence creates a more robust and subdued audio characteristic when the key bottoms out. Thus, despite sharing similar top housing material, the sound profile becomes a blend of the heightened clarity from the polycarbonate and the more muted tones from the nylon.
Ultimately, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Jupiter Red ensures that the switches deliver a harmonized tonal performance. The distinctive contributions of each housing material create a balanced sound experience: the polycarbonate adds brightness when keys are released, while the nylon cushions the impact and dampens the sound during key presses. As a result, despite their familiarity in materials, users can expect a uniquely tailored auditory experience from each switch, seamlessly merging the benefits of their respective housing materials for a compelling typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the distinction lies in their bottom out forces: the Gravel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jupiter Red features a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Gravel switch is generally lighter throughout its entire range of motion, ideal for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Jupiter Red may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when bottoming out, providing a firmer tactile response that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lightweight experience, the HMX Gravel is the better option, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Red caters to those who enjoy a bit more heft in their key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, we find a difference in their travel distances that can affect user experience significantly. The Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing down on a Gravel switch will take you less distance than with a Jupiter Red, making the Gravel potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press, as it offers a deeper feel. Thus, if you value responsiveness and a quicker feedback loop when typing or gaming, the HMX Gravel is the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced switch actuation might lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch remains unspecified, while the Gateron Jupiter Red is characterized as having a neutral sound profile. This neutrality in sound means that the Jupiter Red won't produce noticeable sounds that may disrupt others in a shared space, making them versatile for various environments whether at home or in the office. While the Gravel's sound profile is unknown, it is important to note that sound can be influenced by the mechanical keyboard's construction and keycap choice, so users might find more similarities or differences depending on their specific setups.
Regarding feel, the HMX Gravel switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, catering to those who enjoy a fine typing feel without additional descriptors to detail its characteristics. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches are polished, creamy, silky, and mild, providing a smooth and buttery touch. The Jupiter Red switches facilitate seamless key travel with reduced friction, making every keystroke feel effortless. This difference in feel suggests that while both switches aim for smoothness, the Gravel may offer a more straightforward experience, whereas the Jupiter Red combines multiple qualities to enhance the overall typing sensation.
In conclusion, the HMX Gravel switch offers an outstanding smooth typing experience, though its sound characteristics remain unspecified. The Gateron Jupiter Red provides a well-rounded neutral sound profile with a diverse and refined feel that caters to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, while both switches promise a satisfying performance, the Jupiter Red's multifaceted texture through descriptors like creamy and silky may position it as the more luxurious choice, whereas the Gravel is an excellent option for users seeking a straightforward, smooth feel. Choosing either switch will likely grant a similar typing satisfaction, but those looking for a richer tactile experience might lean towards the Jupiter Red.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel linear switches and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter actuation force for a more responsive and effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel switches, with their smoothness and refined feel, might be ideal for you. Their characteristics are particularly appealing for users who frequently engage in long typing sessions or enjoy a sensation of speed when using their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile sensation that offers a polished and creamy typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches would likely suit you better. Their medium-heavy actuation provides a robust feel that can enhance your typing precision, making them a solid choice for both gaming and productivity environments. The neutral sound profile of the Jupiter Reds also makes them versatile for use in various settings, be it at home or in a shared office. Ultimately, choose the Gravel for a lighter, smooth experience or the Jupiter Red for a more substantial, refined typing feel, and you can’t go wrong with either option depending on your specific needs.
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