HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Gateron Mini i offer distinct experiences that cater to varied preferences among users. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel that typists often crave. With a medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter side, this linear switch promises a responsive and effortless typing experience, making it a favorite for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i provides a tactile sensation with each press, striking a subtle balance between gentle feedback and a muted sound profile that is perfect for the office environment. These lightweight switches offer a mild yet satisfying feedback, ensuring comfortable, extended typing sessions without the intrusive noise. While the Gravel excels in delivering a seamless, smooth typing experience, the Mini i shines in providing the tactile response and quiet operation suited for professional settings. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Mini i switches, one of the most notable differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly effective for users who value heightened auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials will significantly influence the overall user experience when typing on these switches.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a shared characteristic in terms of sound quality. In both cases, the nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a cohesive auditory experience as the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Given that both switches have a nylon bottom housing, users can expect similar results in sound dampening when the actuator strikes the bottom housing. This commonality in material allows both switches to retain a certain continuity in their audio dynamics, despite the opposite effects created by the distinct top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in different sonic and tactile experiences when using the HMX Gravel and Gateron Mini i switches. With the Gravel's polycarbonate top producing sharp and pronounced sounds upon release, and the Mini i's nylon top delivering a more subdued auditory feedback, users might prefer one over the other based on their subjective tastes for sound profiles. However, as both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, they can provide a level of consistency that allows users to enjoy certain similarities across both models, particularly in terms of bottom-out feedback. Thus, the varied use of materials in these switches generates a rich landscape of distinctive typing experiences while maintaining a thread of commonality through their nylon bottoms.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mini i features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams as the Gravel. This means both switches require the same amount of force to fully press down, making them equally suited for users who prefer a lighter keystroke feel, potentially beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the Mini i's lighter actuation force may provide an even softer touch for users who favor easier key presses. In summary, while both switches are categorized as light, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is slightly lighter in actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a feather-light typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it becomes clear that the Gravel offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mini i provides a shorter distance at 3.4 mm. This minor difference may seem negligible, but it can influence the typing experience significantly. For those who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Mini i may provide quicker actuation, appealing particularly to gamers seeking rapid response times. Conversely, the Gravel's longer travel distance might be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke, facilitating a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, individuals will want to consider their typing style and preference—whether they prioritize speed or depth—to choose the switch that aligns best with their needs.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 qualities, the HMX Gravel linear switch is characterized by a smooth and quiet operation that is typically sought after by enthusiasts looking for a typing experience devoid of auditory distractions. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch features a neutral sound profile that balances moderate actuation force with a subtle and gentle acoustics. This makes the Mini i more versatile for various environments, from home to office settings, while still minimizing disruptive noise. Overall, both switches are designed to cater to a focused typing experience, with the Gravel leaning towards silence and the Mini i favoring a mild yet engaging auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switch excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, benefiting from a medium-light actuation force that creates a seamless keystroke motion. This design enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue, making the Gravel perfect for extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch boasts a combination of characteristics such as being bouncy, easy-to-press, and mild. It offers a spring-like feedback which adds an element of liveliness to each key press while remaining approachable for all users. This switch also maintains a gentle resistance, ensuring that typing is effortless and comfortable, suitable for long office hours and casual use.
In conclusion, the HMX Gravel linear switch offers a smooth, quiet, and refined typing experience, ideal for enthusiasts prioritizing seamless operation. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mini i switch provides a balanced blend of gentle tactility and muted sound, making it suitable for various typing environments, particularly in office settings. Though their sound profiles differ slightly, both switches represent excellent options for those seeking a pleasant typing experience—whether you favor the smoothness of linear switches or the subtle feedback of tactile ones.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch depends largely on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a smooth, effortless typing experience, especially for long periods, the Gravel's gentle actuation and refined feel make it an excellent choice. It caters particularly well to enthusiasts who enjoy the sensation of gliding through keystrokes without the noise, making it ideal for quieter settings. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers subtle feedback while still maintaining a peaceful sound profile, the Mini i tactile switch is perfect for office environments where professionalism and concentration are key. Its bouncy, easy-to-press nature allows for comfortable, extended typing sessions without overwhelming auditory disruption. Ultimately, consider the context: opt for the Gravel for a smooth, linear experience focused on fluidity and speed, and choose the Mini i when you desire some light tactile feedback without compromising on a quiet work atmosphere.
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