HMX Gravel vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX Gravel and Keygeek Keylin offer linear experiences that cater to different preferences within the typing community. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that enhances responsiveness and creates a light, effortless typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying fluidity that enthusiasts crave. On the other hand, the Keylin excels in offering rich acoustics alongside its smooth action, utilizing new molds from Keygeek to deliver a premium typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate deep sound profiles with their key presses. While both switches provide smooth operation, the Gravel emphasizes a lighter touch for rapid typing, while the Keylin focuses on an acoustic richness that engages the auditory senses. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and Keygeek Keylin exhibit distinct characteristics in their choice of top housing materials, which influence the auditory and tactile experience offered by each switch. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for greater resonance and clarity, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, delivering a rounder auditory experience. When it comes to how the switches interact with the keypress, the differences in material translate into varying tonal outcomes during both keypress and release.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Gravel and Keylin utilize nylon as their material of choice. This commonality enhances the overall sound character across both switches, as nylon inherently absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper and duller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The consistent use of nylon in this section of the housing suggests that both switches will offer a similarly rich sound depth when bottoming out, as the material's ability to muffle higher frequencies remains constant. Therefore, even though the top housings differ, the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will experience a comparable auditory richness when pressing the keys all the way down.
In examining the interplay of the different materials across the two switches, we observe notable contrasts in how the top and bottom housing materials affect the keypress experience. The Gravel’s polycarbonate top delivers a bright, clear sound when releasing the key, counteracted by the softer, muffled feel of the nylon bottom during bottoming out. On the other hand, the Keylin's switch blends its nylon top and bottom to produce an overall consistent, rounded sound. This amalgamation of both switches' characteristics allows users to attain varied yet satisfying auditory outcomes—whether they prefer the crispness of polycarbonate combined with nylon or the harmonious depth offered by nylon throughout. In the end, the choice between the HMX Gravel and Keygeek Keylin may come down to personal preference for sound sharpness versus fullness.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, both options are on the lighter side of the spectrum, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing significant fatigue. The Gravel switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Keylin switch has an even lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Keylin requires less force to initiate a keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Gravel switch is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the Keylin's 48 grams, which may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Keylin is the superior choice, while the Gravel offers a slightly more substantial feel when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keylin slightly exceeds it at 3.6 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter switch by a margin of 0.1 mm, which can contribute to a faster response time, often preferred by gamers seeking rapid key presses. Conversely, the Keylin, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different user preferences—if you prioritize a snappier feel, the Gravel is the way to go, while if you appreciate a fuller key press, the Keylin might better suit your needs.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch boasts a notable smoothness that enhances its overall acoustic profile. While specific sound characteristics are not detailed, the smoother operation typically results in a quieter typing experience, especially when compared to tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is highlighted for its rich acoustics, suggesting a deeper, more resonant sound that may add to the auditory enjoyment of typing. Since sound is influenced by various factors—such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material—users can expect to customize the acoustics based on their specific setup.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Gravel excels with its medium-light actuation force, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience. This makes it a standout choice for users who prioritize smoothness and comfort during long typing sessions. The Keylin linear switch, produced from new molds, also emphasizes exceptional smoothness, suggesting that it shares a similar level of tactile satisfaction. However, the specific nuances of feel in terms of resistance and actuation may offer differing experiences that can only be truly appreciated through hands-on testing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Keygeek Keylin linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking smooth, enjoyable typing experiences, but they present unique qualities. The Gravel leans towards a lighter actuation force and a quieter sound profile, while the Keylin offers a richer acoustic experience. Ultimately, users will find that both switches can lead to satisfying results, but personal preference, especially regarding sound and slight differences in feel, will play a significant role in determining which switch is the right fit for their mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, your primary considerations should revolve around your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you value a very smooth and refined typing feel, the HMX Gravel switch is an excellent choice. With its slightly higher bottom-out force, it provides a delicate yet satisfying feedback that's perfect for long typing sessions without feeling overly strenuous. If you enjoy the sound and feel of your keyboard while typing, though the specifics weren't provided, you may find the Gravel switch's characteristics appealing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a premium acoustic profile along with that smoothness, the Keylin linear switch is tailored for you. Its slightly lighter actuation force, combined with Keygeek's new molds, ensures a comfortable and rich typing experience, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you prefer the Gravel's smooth, refined delivery or the Keylin's premium acoustics, so you can select the switch that best aligns with your personal typing style and preferences.
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