HMX Gravel vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Cherry MX Red both present compelling options for different types of users. The HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing, providing an almost effortless glide with every keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is a classic favorite among gamers and typists alike, known for its slightly heftier actuation feel and deeper sound profile. This switch combines a satisfying auditory depth with a robust typing experience, catering to users who appreciate tactile feedback and a low-pitched response. Both switches serve distinct preferences—whether you seek the smooth and light touch of the HMX Gravel or the thocky, textured feedback of the Cherry MX Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Red, a noteworthy distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which results from polycarbonate's rigidity that enhances resonance and clarity. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder effect. As a result, users seeking a crisp auditory feedback with bright lighting might prefer the Gravel, while those favoring a muted sound profile might opt for the Cherry MX Red.
However, when we turn our attention to the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they are made from the same nylon material. Both the Gravel and Cherry MX Red utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which amplifies the common traits of a deeper sound profile and a muted response during typing. The similarities in bottom housing construction ensure users will experience consistent auditory feedback, with the deeper notes characteristic of nylon supporting a satisfying keystroke. Therefore, despite differences in the top housing materials, both switches deliver a similar response when pressed down due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
In conclusion, the distinct characteristics of the top housings create unique auditory profiles for both the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Red, with polycarbonate offering clarity and nylon providing warmth. However, the uniformity in the nylon bottom housing ties the two switches together, as this shared material cultivates a deeper sound regardless of the contrasting top housings. Users looking for a distinct experience in sound profile when releasing the key may prefer the Gravel, while those who appreciate a more substantial sound upon pressing the key should consider the Cherry MX Red. Ultimately, understanding the impact of each housing material on sound and feel can guide users in selecting the switch that best aligns with their preferences.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer intriguing comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience the same level of resistance when triggering a keystroke, making them equally suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where a lighter touch is preferred. However, the bottom out force diverges between the two: the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cherry MX Red's bottom out force remains unknown. This indicates that the Gravel provides a slightly heavier feeling when bottoming out, which some users may find gives more substantial feedback during typing. Overall, the Gravel is the heavier switch in terms of bottom out force, while both switches are equal in actuation force, catering to users seeking a lighter overall experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Gravel having a shorter distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the MX Red. This slight difference may impact user experience, particularly for gamers who often favor the more responsive feel associated with shorter travel distances. The Gravel’s 3.5 mm travel distance can provide quicker actuation, making it ideal for those seeking speed in their key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may offer a more traditional and hearty typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: the Gravel is preferable for responsiveness, while the MX Red caters to those who enjoy a more substantial key travel.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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, the HMX Gravel linear switch has not been specifically detailed; however, it can be presumed to share some acoustic qualities common to linear switches, typically featuring a quieter operation than tactile or clicky types. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch stands out with its thocky profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, characterized by a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone. This auditory depth contributes to a robust typing experience that resonates well with many users. It is important to note that the overall sound output can also vary significantly depending on the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, offering a medium-light actuation force that allows for a responsive and effortless interaction. This smoothness is a crucial factor for typists seeking minimal resistance. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by a slightly heftier feel complemented by a textured response, which may introduce a level of friction during typing. While some users appreciate this texture, others may find the Gravel’s smoother operation to be more desirable for prolonged typing sessions.
In summary, the HMX Gravel and Cherry MX Red linear switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Gravel offers an exceptional smoothness and lighter actuation force geared towards a seamless typing experience, the Cherry MX Red provides a more robust, thocky sound and a textured feel that can enhance tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches present viable options tailored to individual tastes, with the Gravel emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness, while the MX Red delivers deeper acoustic satisfaction and a slightly heftier typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lightweight, smooth, and effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. It is designed to deliver a refined tactile feel that makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, providing a comfortable and less fatiguing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and a more robust physical feedback, then the Cherry MX Red might be more aligned with your needs. The MX Red is known for its satisfying "thocky" sound and textured feel, catering to those who enjoy a bit more feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and lightweight actuation with the Gravel, or if you lean towards the deeper auditory experience and firmer feel of the MX Red.
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