HMX Gravel vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Gravel switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, appealing to those who seek a seamless operation with its medium-light actuation force. This linear switch is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Feathery', making it perfect for users looking for a responsive and effortless typing experience without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback and hypertactile sensation, thanks to its robust PBT housing and pronounced tactile bumps during both downstroke and upstroke. Categorized as 'Accented' and 'Resonant', this switch caters to users who enjoy a more impactful and pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your typing style and the sensation you prefer. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches, a primary point of differentiation lies in their top housing materials. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This robustness allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate the auditory feedback of their switches, particularly when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucency. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes PBT for its top housing, which tends to deliver a more neutral sound profile. While PBT also has its own aesthetics, being less vibrantly reflective than polycarbonate, it results in a sound that is not as crisp, providing a mellow experience.
The bottom housing of the HMX Gravel and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches further distinguishes their sound characteristics. The Gravel incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is softer than polycarbonate and excels at absorbing sound. Consequently, this design yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it particularly appealing to users who prefer a more subdued auditory response. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches also feature a PBT bottom housing that maintains a neutral sound profile, devoid of the deeper resonance that nylon presents. This reflects how material choices impact the overall audio experience of the switch, with both switches catering to different user preferences based on their sound dynamics.
Ultimately, despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, both the HMX Gravel and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) can yield satisfactory sound experiences, albeit in contrasting ways. While the Gravel’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work synergistically to deliver a sharper top-end with a rich, rounded base, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) achieves balance through its consistent PBT composition. Users can expect a different interaction with each switch due to the unique quality contributions of their respective materials, providing varied auditory and tactile feedback depending on their specific design choices. As such, for enthusiasts seeking a mix of subtlety and clarity, these two switches offer distinctly different but complementary experiences.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence a typist's experience. The Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) exhibits a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. This difference means that typists seeking a lighter, more effortless keystroke would benefit from the HMX Gravel, while those who appreciate a stronger, more tactile response would gravitate towards the Moyu switch. Ultimately, the selection comes down to personal preference, with the Gravel being lighter overall and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offering a heftier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there is a distinct difference. The Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. The difference in these measurements reflects their design intentions; shorter travel distances, like that of the Gravel, are often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, offering a more responsive feel. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Moyu switch may provide a more substantial typing experience, catering to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and typing 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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches, each switch offers a distinct auditory experience that caters to different preferences. The Gravel switches produce a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving users a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This type of sound can enhance the tactile feedback while typing, making it feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Moyu Black switches feature a resonant quality that results in a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound profile. While both switches contribute to an immersive typing experience, the Gravel leans towards creating a more pronounced and punchy auditory sensation, while the Moyu Blacks deliver a nuanced and refined resonance.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switches provide a unique experience characterized by their bouncy, creamy, and feathery qualities. The bounciness adds a spring-like feedback that makes typing feel energetic, while the creamy nature suggests a smooth and buttery glide when pressing the keys, resulting in minimal resistance. This combination is ideal for extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue thanks to the light actuation force. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches deliver a sharp tactile experience with an accented feel that strikes a balance between being prominent yet not overwhelming. The strong tactile bump at the bottom provides noticeable feedback that aids in typing accuracy but may not be as fluid as the smooth experience offered by the Gravel switches. The interaction with these switches can lead to a more pronounced response during use, making them particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate tactile sensations.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch cater to distinct typing preferences, their unique characteristics make them appealing to different users. The Gravel excels with its smoothness and lively sound, offering an effortless typing experience that is great for prolonged use. In contrast, the Moyu Black provides a heightened tactile response with a distinctive auditory touch, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, lightweight typing experience or crave the robust, tactile feedback of a sharper switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch should be guided by your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a smooth and light-feeling key travel with minimal resistance, the Gravel is likely your best bet, particularly if you plan on using your keyboard for long typing sessions, gaming, or if you simply appreciate a swift actuation and a bouncy, creamy feel paired with a clacky sound. This switch is perfect for those who value ease of use and a playful typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feedback that provides a tangible "snap" as you type, the Moyu Black would be better suited for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force creates a unique hypertactile sensation, ideal for those who thrive on that sharper tactile response and the distinct sound profile it brings. This switch is particularly advantageous for activities requiring precision and quick feedback, such as programming or typing heavier texts. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you like to type and the type of feedback that enhances your productivity and overall enjoyment.
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