HMX Gravel vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Brown, two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that promotes an effortless typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity, particularly in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a tactile experience that emphasizes subtle feedback, with a gentle yet noticeable bump during actuation and a low-pitched sound that maintains a quiet ambiance. This makes them ideal for users who enjoy the sensation of tactile confirmation while typing without the distraction of loud clicks. Both switches have their unique advantages, appealing to different types of users; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Brown switches, it becomes evident that there are distinct differences in the top housings, while their bottom housings share similarities. The HMX Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer properties, allowing for a more resonant and clear auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual effects of the illumination through the switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch features a nylon top housing that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer characteristics absorb sounds to a greater extent, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience, thereby creating a stark sound contrast when compared to its polycarbonate counterpart.
Both the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Brown share a similarity in their bottom housing, as both use nylon. This commonality means that typing on either switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the inherent soft and sound absorbing qualities of nylon. Both switches will provide users with a consistent auditory experience when it comes to the sound produced at the bottom of the key press, regardless of the differences found in their top housing materials. With the bottom housings made of the same material, the typing experience in terms of sound will feel familiar between the two switch types, as both take advantage of nylon's ability to create a warmer and less jarring bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the differing characteristics of the top housings between the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Brown result in two unique auditory experiences. While the HMX Gravel provides a crisper, more vibrant sound when releasing a key, the Cherry MX Brown creates a deeper and rounder soundscape. The bottom housings, being the same in both switches, ensure that the fundamental feel and sound during the bottoming out of a key remains consistent, allowing users to expect a certain level of auditory feedback regardless of which switch they are utilizing. Collectively, these differences and similarities in housing materials shape the overall typing experience by influencing both sound and tactile feedback differently across the two switch types.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience for extended periods, appealing to those who value lighter switches for work or long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Gravel featuring a bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Brown's 55 grams. This makes the Gravel switch slightly lighter overall, contributing to a softer feel when pressing keys down to their maximum. The Cherry MX Brown, while still relatively light, offers a heavier bottom out force, which may be preferred by users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the HMX Gravel provides a lighter touch overall compared to the Cherry MX Brown.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Gravel having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the MX Brown at 4 mm. This makes the Gravel a shorter switch compared to the Brown, appealing to users who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes typical of gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for typing or a more tactile feedback experience. While both switches have their distinct advantages, the Gravel's shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some, while the Brown's longer distance could be seen as more deliberate and comforting. Ultimately, your choice between the two should reflect your preference for quick response times versus a more substantial keystroke feel.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is known for its exceptional smoothness, which typically translates to a quieter typing experience. Unlike the Cherry MX Brown switches, which are characterized as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper, richer sound profile with a pronounced audio feedback during key presses, the Gravel switch maintains a more subdued sound without the additional dimensions of resonance. This difference caters to those who prefer a more discreet typing experience versus the audible presence provided by the Browns.
When it comes to feel, the Gravel switch shines with a smooth and refined typing experience, offering effortless key presses and a medium-light actuation force. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown delivers a textured experience characterized by gentle tactility, which some users might describe as having a slight scratchiness. This tactile feedback can provide a pleasant sensation for users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. Thus, while the Gravel offers a seamless action, the MX Brown introduces variation through its tactile bump, appealing to different preferences among typists.
In conclusion, the HMX Gravel linear switch is designed for those seeking an ultra-smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a slightly textured feel with a deeper sound profile. For users looking to find a balance between these two, both switches can deliver satisfactory results depending on personal preference, as the Gravel will provide a more linear and quiet environment, while the Brown caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback and a deeper sound. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether one prioritizes a smooth, subdued experience or a tactile, subtly audible one.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Gravel is an excellent choice. Ideal for fast typists and gamers seeking rapid key presses without resistance, the Gravel offers a satisfying route without tactile bumps, ensuring that your fingers glide effortlessly over the keys. On the other hand, if you appreciate subtle feedback and a tactile sensation in your typing, the Cherry MX Brown might be more to your liking. Its medium-light actuation force provides enough resistance to allow you to feel when a key has been activated, making it suitable for both typing and general usage, while the bassy sound profile adds a pleasing auditory aspect. Thus, if you find yourself frequently transitioning between typing for productivity and casual gaming, the tactile nature of the MX Brown will likely enhance your experience. Ultimately, consider how you want to interact with your keyboard: choose the Gravel for a smoother ride or the MX Brown for a balance of feedback and ease.
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