HMX Gravel vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and KTT Lightning both offer unique experiences while falling under the category of linear switches. The HMX Gravel is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts who value a responsive and effortless experience, thanks to its medium-light actuation force. This switch caters to those who prefer a softer touch but still want a satisfying feel with every keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Lightning is designed with speed in mind, making it an attractive option for gamers where milliseconds can make a significant difference in performance. Its slick typing sensation, coupled with a clacky sound profile, appeals to users seeking a more auditory feedback along with their tactile experience. While both switches offer their own merits—smoother feel versus responsive speed—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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and KTT Lightning switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sharpness and clarity in sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a crisper audio feedback when the switch is engaged. Users can expect a high-pitched tone that is both resonant and well-defined. Furthermore, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for stunning visual effects that complement the auditory experience. The shared use of polycarbonate in their top housings ensures that both switches produce an upbeat and dynamic sound profile, making them ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a tactile auditory response.
In contrast, the Gravel and Lightning differ in their bottom housing materials, with both utilizing nylon. Nylon is traditionally recognized for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This material's ability to absorb sound results in a more muted and rounded auditory feedback compared to that of polycarbonate. Consequently, while the Gravel and Lightning switches offer a similar experience in the top range, the bottom housing adds a layer of complexity with its more substantial and less vibrant sound. This divergence means that when one presses a key, the bottom-out feel and sound will exhibit a fuller quality due to the nylon, contrasting the crisper release sound produced by the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, the combination of these different materials ensures a balanced auditory experience. While the Gravel and Lightning switches may share similar sound characteristics due to their polycarbonate top housings, the impact of the nylon bottom housing provides a unique depth to the overall sound profile. Depending on how the user interacts with the switch—pressing down versus letting go—different qualities will predominately present themselves. This intricate interplay of materials allows for a diverse sensory experience, catering to a broad range of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, both offer relatively light forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lightning switch features a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams, with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches provide a similar bottoming out experience, but the Lightning requires less force to actuate, appealing to those who prefer less resistance when typing. Overall, the Lightning is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, which can lead to less finger fatigue during extended use, while the Gravel offers a slightly heavier feel for those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, the Gravel has a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lightning is shorter at 3 mm. This difference reflects a preference for different typing experiences: the Gravel's greater depth may appeal to users who appreciate a more tactile feel and a little more resistance, making it suitable for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning's shorter 3 mm travel distance is better suited for gamers or those seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. While both switches provide their own unique advantages, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference between the depth of the Gravel and the snappy responsiveness of the Lightning.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 switches remain shrouded in mystery, lacking a described audio profile. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switches are known for their clacky sound, characterized as sharp and snappy, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive tone with each keystroke. This high-pitched acoustic signature, accompanied by a slight chirping quality, gives the Lightning switches an invigorating auditory feedback that may attract users who enjoy a more expressive typing experience, especially in competitive gaming scenarios. Keep in mind that the overall sound perception can also be influenced by other components of the keyboard, such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switches are celebrated for their smoothness and a refined typing experience. They are designed to deliver a medium-light actuation force that allows for responsive and effortless typing. This smoothness enhances the overall tactile experience during use. On the other hand, the Lightning switches offer a slick typing feel, described as subtle yet polished. The gentle resistance and smooth key travel contribute to a light typing experience, which is particularly accommodating in shared environments due to the non-resonant sound characteristic. While both switches can provide a pleasant typing feel, the Gravel places a stronger emphasis on smoothness, while the Lightning focuses on speed and efficiency.
Considering all available information, the HMX Gravel linear switch shines with its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, appealing to those who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Lightning is tailored for speed, delivering a clacky audio profile and a polished typing sensation that cater to gamers and fast typists alike. While these switches focus on different attributes—smoothness versus speed and auditory feedback—users can likely find contentment in either switch depending on their specific preferences and requirements for a keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel and KTT Lightning linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are seeking a switch that provides an unparalleled smoothness and refined feel, creating an effortless and enjoyable typing experience for both work and casual use, then the HMX Gravel is an excellent fit. Its medium-light actuation force combined with smooth key travel makes it an ideal choice for typing enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback without the noise. However, if you require a switch that excels in fast-paced gaming scenarios where reaction time is critical, the KTT Lightning should be your go-to option. Its clacky sound profile and polished feel enhance the overall experience, making it perfect for those who thrive on speed and quickness. Consider your primary use case—whether you're focusing on a smooth typing experience or optimizing for competitive gameplay—to make an informed decision about which switch will best suit your mechanical keyboard needs.
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