HMX Gravel vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and HMX KD200 linear switches provide distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a responsive and effortless typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, users can expect a comfortable and satisfying feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with their typing, enhancing the tactile engagement. While both switches fall within the linear category, their unique characteristics present different advantages for typists and gamers alike. 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

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and HMX KD200 switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, particularly in the choice of the top housing. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. This characteristic allows the Gravel to deliver more clarity in sound, especially beneficial for users seeking an enhanced auditory feedback during typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall setup. In contrast, the KD200 employs a nylon top housing, a classic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less piercing than what is produced by polycarbonate.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housings for both the Gravel and the KD200 utilize nylon. This consistency in bottom housing material means that both switches will elicit a similar auditory experience when considering the bottom-out sound produced upon key activation. The nylon in the bottom housing dampens sound, providing a muted yet rich acoustic experience that remains constant across both switch types. Thus, any comparison of their auditory profiles will reveal that the noise produced by both switches will have a similar depth and fullness attributable to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties.

Overall, while the top housings of the HMX Gravel and HMX KD200 switches create distinctive sound characterizations due to their different materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will enjoy a comparable tactile and auditory experience upon bottoming out. The juxtaposition of the polycarbonate's clarity and the nylon's warmth provides an interesting dynamic, ultimately catering to various preferences. Users interested in a brighter sound with RGB illumination may favor the Gravel, whereas those looking for a muted and fuller typing experience might lean toward the KD200. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique yet complementary sound profiles, allowing for versatility in user choice based on personal typing preferences.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch share identical specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This similarity means that users of either switch can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force needed for keystrokes and the feel when bottoming out. Both switches are on the lighter side, making them well-suited for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as their lower weight facilitates reduced finger fatigue. This shared characteristic is particularly advantageous for those seeking a more comfortable and effortless typing experience. Since both the Gravel and KD200 are equally lightweight with the same actuation and bottom out forces, users can confidently choose either without worrying about differences in performance related to these metrics.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch have an equal travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance before the switch registers a keystroke. As a result, both switches will deliver a similar typing experience in terms of key travel, making them comparable in performance. Therefore, concerns regarding the length of travel distance are minimized, and users can expect consistent feedback and responsiveness with either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, which results in a typing sound that is generally quieter and more subdued compared to some other switches, particularly tactile or clicky options. This means that while typing on the Gravel, you can expect a pleasant acoustic environment that won't be distracting in quiet settings. In contrast, the HMX KD200 linear switch is noted as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, suggesting a crisper, more pronounced sound profile. The KD200 may deliver a more audible feedback, potentially making it a choice suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch is characterized by its medium-light actuation force, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience. This smoothness allows for prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, the HMX KD200, while also classified as linear, may have a different actuation force profile that contributes to its clackiness; however, specific details regarding its feel are not provided, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares directly to the Gravel in terms of tactile feedback.

Overall, both the HMX Gravel and HMX KD200 linear switches cater to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Gravel prioritizes a smooth, quiet typing experience, perfect for comfortable and extended use, while the KD200 offers a more pronounced sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy an audible typing experience. Depending on your priorities, you may find that both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit with different emphasis on sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you value an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel that allows for a responsive and effortless experience, the Gravel switch is your best bet. With its medium-light actuation force and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers an appealing balance for those who prefer a softer touch in their keystrokes. However, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a more pronounced acoustic profile, the KD200 linear switch stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. In terms of tactile response, the KD200 typically provides a more vibrant feel, which may be key for enthusiasts who appreciate dynamic feedback in their keystrokes. Thus, consider how much you value sound and typing feel in your keyboard experience; if you crave smoothness and a quieter environment, go for the Gravel, but if you prefer a louder, more engaging feel, the KD200 is the right choice for you.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more