HMX Gravel vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for a seamless typing experience, the HMX Gravel and Durock Lupine offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The HMX Gravel switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, boasting a medium-light actuation force that promotes a responsive typing experience with minimal effort. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and ease during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch captivates users with its unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a powerful upward rebound that creates a delightful tactile feedback. Additionally, the Lupine's classic clacky sound profile adds an auditory dimension that many typists find satisfying. While both switches cater to the linear preference, they each offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different users—whether you’re seeking unmatched smoothness or an engaging typing experience with resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Durock Lupine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which fundamentally shapes the auditory experience of the switches. Polycarbonate is well-regarded for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material choice ensures that both switches will produce a distinctive clarity in sound, particularly suited for users who favor a bright audio experience. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes both switches ideal candidates for RGB lighting setups, enhancing their visual appeal. This commonality suggests that those seeking an aesthetically vibrant and sonorous experience may find the performance of both switches remarkably similar when it comes to the upper sound profile.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gravel and Lupine switches also maintain a similar construction utilizing nylon, which introduces a distinct tonal quality. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a dulled, rounder sound that contrasts the bright output of polycarbonate on the top side. As such, both switches deliver a holistic auditory experience, with the polycarbonate enhancing the crispness when a key is released, while the nylon contributes warmth and depth when keys are engaged. Users can expect auditory results that blend clarity with richness, eliciting a robust typing feel across both switch types.
Overall, while the Gravel and Lupine switches share common materials in both their top and bottom housings, the distinct acoustic properties of each material provide a balanced sound profile. The interplay between the bright, resonant qualities of the polycarbonate in the upper housing and the muted, fuller tones from the nylon in the lower housing creates a nuanced auditory experience. Thus, users can achieve similar results in sonic clarity and depth from both switches, making either suitable for diverse typing preferences, whether for gaming, professional work, or leisurely usage. The synergy of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a versatile auditory palette, ensuring a satisfying experience no matter which switch one chooses.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX Gravel switch features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switch has an unknown actuation force but exhibits a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that while Gravel's lighter actuation force may provide a more comfortable experience for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Lupine, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. Overall, the HMX Gravel switch is the lighter option, perfect for users seeking ease during prolonged use, while the Durock Lupine switch leans towards a heavier feedback experience due to its unknown actuation force and comparatively higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can cater to those who prefer quick responsiveness in their typing experience, making it an appealing option for gamers. In contrast, the Lupine's longer travel distance might be ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a snappier response or a more traditional, hearty sensation when pressing down on a key.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 linear switch remains somewhat ambiguous in its auditory profile, leaving aficionados curious about its characteristics. Contrastingly, the Durock Lupine switch presents a well-defined sound profile, described as both neutral and high-pitched. This means it offers a moderate actuation sound suitable for diverse environments, making it versatile for both work and home use. The high-pitched aspect ensures a sharp and crisp auditory feedback during typing, appealing to users who prefer a less bass-heavy acoustic experience. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the specific sound quality of any switch can be influenced by additional factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch is characterized by its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it provides an effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine excels in its tactile feedback through its unique two-stage long springs. This design delivers a consistent weight distribution while typing and a noticeably more powerful rebound, creating a dynamic sensation during use. The Lupine’s feel is further enhanced by its mildness and polished nature, which contribute to a gentle and streamlined typing experience, enabling smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, while the sound profile of the HMX Gravel remains unspecified, it is clear that both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different characteristics. The Gravel offers a notably smooth experience alongside lighter actuation, appealing to those keen on a gentle touch. Conversely, the Lupine stands out with its distinct sound profile and dynamic feel, making it a robust choice for users who appreciate responsive feedback. Ultimately, depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches present unique attributes that can cater to various typing styles and environments, encouraging enthusiasts to test them out for themselves.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter actuation with exceptional smoothness, the Gravel is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for quick and responsive typing, which is particularly beneficial for fast typists or those who prefer a more effortless feel. The Gravel's refined typing experience makes it ideal for both prolonged typing sessions and casual gaming, where a smooth and light response can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more weight and are drawn to a more refined auditory and tactile experience, the Durock Lupine may suit you better. Its 62-gram bottom-out force offers a solid, medium typing feel, which provides a balance that might resonate with typists seeking stability and a classic clack sound. The Lupine’s two-stage long springs contribute to a consistent weight distribution and offer a pleasing tactile experience, making it a great option for both office use and gaming. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Gravel's lightness or the Lupine's weighted feedback will depend on how you prioritize factors such as typing speed, sound profile, and comfort in your daily use.
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