HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Lime can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Gravel, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel, making it an ideal pick for enthusiasts who appreciate a responsive and effortless typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, the Gravel delivers consistent keystrokes without the distraction of tactile feedback, perfect for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime, a tactile switch, offers a unique mix of lightweight design and subtle tactility. This switch is perfect for users who desire an engaging typing experience without overwhelming tactile feedback, as it provides a feathery light touch combined with muted tactile sensations. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Gravel is ideal for fast typists seeking smoothness, while the Lime caters to those who appreciate a gentle tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Lime switches, a notable contrast exists in their top housings. The Gravel utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a more resonant sound, making it particularly favorable in settings where clarity is paramount, such as gaming or typing with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Lime employs nylon for its top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This fundamental difference in material clearly underlines how each switch will feel and sound when engaged, showcasing the distinct acoustic character offered by their respective materials.
Moving to the bottom housing of both switches, the comparison reveals a remarkable similarity, as both the Gravel and Lime use nylon. This consistency in material leads to a shared acoustic experience in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s inherent properties, which absorb sound and provide a dampened feeling, contribute significantly to the overall acoustic experience of both switches. In this way, both switches can produce a similar bottom-out sound, offering users a fulfilling tactile experience as they depress the keys. The shared use of nylon reinforces their compatibility as switch components while retaining their unique characteristics in sound when combined with the differing top housings.
In terms of performance and user experience, the differences in top housing materials contribute to how each switch behaves when pressed. The Gravel, with its polycarbonate top, emphasizes a clearer sound upon release, enhancing the auditory response in a typing or gaming scenario. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon top results in a more muted sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Nevertheless, both housing configurations work in tandem to deliver an engaging and satisfying typing experience, showing that despite their differences, they can produce commendable results, particularly in the context of the nylon bottom housing which they share. As such, users can expect a distinct but complementary sound and feel from each switch due to the combination of their unique top housing materials with the same bottom housing material.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ in the specifics of those measurements. The Gravel has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lime features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Outemu Lime the lighter switch overall, which may be preferable for users who engage in lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to activate each keystroke. Conversely, the Gravel's heavier actuation and bottom out forces might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches fall into the light category, the difference in their forces could influence the typing experience significantly, catering to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lime has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the HMX Gravel the longer option by 0.2 mm. For users who favor faster response times, the Outemu Lime's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, aligning well with the preferences of gamers who thrive on immediacy. Conversely, the Gravel’s greater depth might provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, a clear distinction can be drawn. The Gravel switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, which leaves a gap in understanding its auditory impact. In contrast, the Lime switch is noted for its neutral and muted sound, making it versatile for various environments. This subtler auditory profile allows it to be an excellent choice for shared spaces, minimizing distractions while maintaining a satisfying acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch is characterized by its exceptional smoothness and a refined typing experience, which leans towards a light actuation force, contributing to a very effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch presents a feathery and mild sensation, combining a gentle tactile feedback with a lightweight pressing action. The Lime switch also embodies subtlety and polish, offering a well-rounded feel that reduces finger fatigue and promotes comfort during extended use. While both switches are designed to accommodate lighter pressing efforts, the Gravel's smoothness may offer a more seamless experience compared to the tactility of the Lime.
Overall, while both switches cater to those seeking a lightweight typing experience, they each bring unique strengths to the table. The Gravel's emphasis on smoothness makes it ideal for users who prioritize a fluid keystroke, whereas the Lime switch offers a delightful tactile feedback balanced with a muted sound profile. Each switch serves different preferences and typists can expect varying results based on their needs, whether they opt for the Gravel’s smoothness or the Lime's balanced tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a little more actuation force, the Gravel's 50-gram bottom-out weight will cater to your desire for a fast and effortless keystroke without any tactile feedback distraction. This makes it a superb choice for those who favor linear switches for gaming or rapid typing environments where smoothness is paramount. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that combines lightness with a gentle tactile feel, the Outemu Lime switch, with its 45-gram actuation force and muted response, is an excellent option. It’s particularly well-suited for users in shared environments or those who prefer a subtle tactile bump during typing without the noisy clack of traditional mechanical switches. Engaging in prolonged typing sessions or enjoying a quieter workspace will be more comfortable and satisfying with the Lime’s feathery and polished characteristics. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value a purely smooth experience or appreciate a hint of tactility alongside a muted sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
