HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) presents a compelling comparison for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The HMX Gravel switch stands out for its refined feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless typing experience while ensuring a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are celebrated for their buttery smoothness and budget-friendly nature, delivering low-pitched “thock” sounds that many users find appealing. While both switches prioritize smoothness and linear characteristics, the HMX Gravel excels in its refined touch, while the Milky Red Pro offers an enjoyable auditory experience at a more accessible price point. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), one can immediately notice a significant distinction in the materials used for their top housings. The HMX Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This quality allows for a clearer and more resonant acoustic experience, especially beneficial for those who employ RGB lighting in their setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal by allowing light to pass through effectively. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro’s top housing is made of nylon, a traditional switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder and less piercing auditory experience, which offers a different tactile and acoustic feedback when typing.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Milky Red Pro share the same material: nylon. The use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a deeper, fuller sound profile for both switches, regardless of their different top housing materials. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will have a dampened quality due to the nylon's sound absorption properties, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience. The presence of nylon in both switches essentially ensures that users will experience a consistent bottoming-out sensation, despite the differing acoustic characteristics of their top sections.
The contrasting top housing materials lead to unique experiences while typing on the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Milky Red Pro. The Gravel, with its polycarbonate top, maximizes brightness and resonance while the user releases a key, producing a more vibrating sound that complements faster-paced typing. Meanwhile, the Milky Red Pro, with its nylon top, softens the release sound, creating a gentler auditory feedback, which some users may find preferable for prolonged typing sessions. Therefore, although both switches provide the same robust nylon bottom housing that enhances the tactile experience, the overall sound profile is distinctly shaped by the differing top housing materials, offering typists variation in tactile and auditory feedback in their keystrokes.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch present a nuanced comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similarly responsive when typing or gaming. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Gravel at 50 grams and the Milky Red Pro at 52 grams. This slight difference indicates that the Gravel is marginally lighter overall, while the Milky Red Pro offers a slightly more substantial resistance at the bottom of the keystroke. For users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Gravel switch would be more suitable, while those looking for a more robust typing experience may prefer the Milky Red Pro due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches deliver a comfortable experience, but personal preference will ultimately dictate the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The HMX Gravel offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Gravel's shorter travel distance might be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation—ideal for gamers who benefit from faster response times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, providing a more satisfying tactile experience that some users prefer over a rapid response. Overall, if you're looking for rapid actuation, the Gravel is the shorter option, while the Milky Red Pro caters to those who enjoy a more traditional depth in their switches.
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 is not explicitly described, leaving some ambiguity regarding its audio profile. However, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is noted for its bassy, thocky nature, producing a deep and satisfying sound that resonates during keystrokes. This low-pitched tone offers a rich auditory experience that many typists find pleasurable. While the Gravel's sound profile remains unknown, enthusiasts may find that using these switches on different boards and with various keycap materials may also influence their overall auditory experience, similar to how the Milky Red Pro's sound can change based on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switches are renowned for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, promoting a very effortless action with a medium-light actuation force that facilitates a responsive touch. In comparison, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches are characterized by a buttery feel, suggesting a fluid and seamless keypress that adds to the overall comfort during long typing sessions. While both switches emphasize a smooth keystroke, the Gravel’s reputation for a refined touch may give it a slight edge in providing a more polished feel, but the Milky Red Pro's buttery nature could appeal to those seeking a consistent and easy typing experience.
Ultimately, both the HMX Gravel and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Gravel offers a renowned smoothness and responsiveness, while the Milky Red Pro provides an excellent budget-friendly option with a pleasing auditory profile and buttery feel. If you seek a satisfying sound and smooth feel, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with slightly different characteristics. Your choice may ultimately boil down to whether you prioritize a refined feel or a more budget-oriented yet rewarding option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you crave an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Gravel switches will undoubtedly enhance your typing experience, especially if you value effortless keystrokes and a premium touch. These switches are particularly suited for users who engage in extended typing sessions or seek a responsive feel without the heaviness. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable, buttery smooth option that still provides a satisfying, deep, and thocky sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be your go-to choice. With a bottom-out force of 52 grams, these switches strike a balance between moderate resistance and comfort, making them ideal for both casual users and gamers who enjoy a richer auditory experience while typing or gaming. In essence, choose the Gravel for a softer, more tactile typing experience, and opt for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) if you prefer deeper acoustics and a budget-friendly linear switch.
Mentioned in this article
