HMX Gravel vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders emerge: the HMX Gravel and the KTT Mallo. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, boasting a medium-light actuation force that facilitates a responsive, effortless feel. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo presents a tactile sensation that strikes a harmonious balance between subtlety and feedback. With its gentle tactility and neutral sound signature, the Mallo caters to typists who appreciate a connection to their keystrokes without overwhelming auditory or tactile feedback. Ultimately, each switch serves distinct preferences, with the Gravel leaning towards a fluid performance while the Mallo offers a more nuanced 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and KTT Mallo share a remarkable similarity in their housing materials, both employing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, characterized by its stiffness and ability to produce a clear and resonant tone. This material is not only acoustically beneficial but visually appealing, particularly because its translucence enhances RGB lighting effects. Therefore, both the Gravel and Mallo share this advantageous design characteristic, delivering a similar auditory experience when key switches are engaged.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, a material renowned for its classic status in keyboard switches. This choice plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile during typing, as nylon absorbs sound waves due to its relatively softer composition. The result is a deeper, fuller sound that contributes to a more satisfying typing experience. Since both the Gravel and Mallo employ nylon in their bottom housings, users will experience a commonality in the sound dynamics associated with bottoming out the switches, ensuring consistency across both products despite potential variations in design.
Overall, while the HMX Gravel and KTT Mallo switches utilize the same housing materials yielding a consistent auditory experience, their individual sound characteristics emerge distinctly based on the interaction of their top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound upon releasing the key, while the nylon bottom contributes a rounded depth when the switch is activated. This synergy means that when using either switch, users can expect a well-rounded auditory experience that balances the crisper tones of the top with the fuller sounds from the bottom, achieving a harmonious and satisfying performance in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch features a light actuation force of 45 grams, requiring minimal effort to trigger a keystroke, while it reaches a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a gentle completion of the key press. In contrast, the KTT Mallo lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This suggests that while it may feel somewhat more substantial when pressed down completely, we can't directly compare their actuation forces due to the unknown value for the Mallo. Consequently, the Gravel is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Mallo, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those who favor a more palpable feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mallo measures 4 mm. This means that the Gravel offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker response times, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking rapid actuation. In contrast, the Mallo's longer 4 mm travel distance caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed in your typing or gaming experience, the HMX Gravel would be the ideal option. However, for users who favor the traditional, more substantial feel of a keypress, the KTT Mallo is the better choice.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 and KTT Mallo switches, there’s a notable distinction in their characteristics. The Gravel's sound profile is not explicitly defined here, but considering its purpose and description as a smooth typing experience, it can generally be expected to produce a sound that is pleasant and not overly loud. This places it in a similar sound category to the Mallo, which features a neutral sound signature. The Mallo's subdued nature ensures that it emits a moderate volume during keystrokes, striking a balance that makes it suitable for various typing environments; thus, both switches can offer a sound experience that would cater well to users seeking minimal distraction while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switch is highlighted for its exceptional smoothness and medium-light actuation force, making it a comfortable option for prolonged usage. Although the precise tactile qualities of the Gravel are not detailed, it likely offers a linear typing experience that is fluid and effortless. Conversely, the KTT Mallo switch presents a multi-faceted tactile experience with its feathery and mild typing feel. This switch also features subtle tactile feedback, which provides users with a gentle yet noticeable response without overwhelming resistance. The stepped feel further maintains this gentleness, making it approachable and comfortable for typing or gaming sessions. Thus, while the Gravel focuses on a smooth experience, the Mallo emphasizes a blend of tactile feedback and lightness.
In summary, the HMX Gravel and KTT Mallo switches both provide a pleasant typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences. The Gravel excels in providing a smooth, linear feel, ideal for those who value effortless key presses, while the Mallo offers a combination of tactile feedback and a mild feel suited for users seeking an engaging typing experience with subtle responsiveness. The sound profiles of both switches also align closely, with the Mallo's neutral and subdued nature being a versatile choice for various environments. Ultimately, both switches serve well to typists and gamers alike, offering comfort and performance without compromising on quality.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, responsive feel that minimizes finger fatigue and allows for rapid, effortless typing, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it particularly suited for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback experience while maintaining a balanced typing feel, the KTT Mallo is ideal. With a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, it provides subtle feedback without being overly assertive, making it versatile in both quiet and busy environments. Its neutral sound signature and gentle tactility ensure it complements various typing contexts, whether at home, work, or in shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and subtlety in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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