HMX Gravel vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing popular options like the HMX Gravel and Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches known for their unique attributes. The HMX Gravel boasts a medium-light actuation force, leading to a remarkably smooth and responsive typing experience that caters well to those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the hallmark qualities of the MX Red, but with the added advantage of a quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for users in noise-sensitive environments. While the Gravel excels in delivering an effortless and refined feel, the MX Silent Red offers a satisfying yet muted typing experience, perfect for those who want to maintain a serene workspace. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red, the differing materials in their top housings yield contrasting sound profiles that significantly affect the overall typing experience. The HMX Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This distinctive tonal quality allows for better clarity and resonance, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which dampens sound to produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The softer nature of the nylon material absorbs sound waves, creating a more muted and rounded sound profile as opposed to the brightness of the Gravel’s polycarbonate. This fundamental difference highlights how materials can influence both the acoustics and the feedback one receives when typing.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both employ nylon, which reinforces their performance in producing a richer sound. The use of nylon in both the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Silent Red results in a similar typing experience characteristically defined by a deeper sound profile. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material, its ability to absorb sound equally contributes to the overall sound quality experienced when bottoming out. This consistency in the bottom housing ensures that users will encounter a distinct fullness regardless of the different top housing materials. While they may differ in how they sound upon release, they both converge at the bottom to deliver a satisfying bottom-out feel characterized by a reduced noise level.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of both switches emphasize how sound dynamics can significantly vary while still having common attributes that define overall performance. While the HMX Gravel’s clear polycarbonate allows for sharper auditory feedback ideal for those who prefer crisp sounds, the Cherry MX Silent Red’s nylon top creates a softer type of sound that might appeal to users seeking a quieter experience. Collectively, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their performances, ensuring that both switches offer a fulfilling tactile feedback through depth in their auditory qualities, which is especially advantageous for users who prioritize muted or elegant sound profiles in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, offering a consistent typing experience and making them equally suitable for users who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, while the bottom out force for the Gravel switch is 50 grams, providing some feedback upon reaching the key’s maximum travel distance, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red remains unknown. This uncertainty means that a direct comparison in that regard is not possible. Nonetheless, with the Gravel switch being slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, users who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience might gravitate towards the Gravel, while those who prioritize a softer touch may lean toward the Cherry MX Silent Red. Overall, the Gravel offers a more pronounced bottom out feel, whereas the Silent Red's lack of specified bottom out force may appeal to those seeking a smoother, quieter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the HMX Gravel features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that users who prefer quicker response times may find the Gravel switch more appealing due to its slightly shallower actuation, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking fast and responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keypresses might prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red, as its longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in typing.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch is notably smooth but lacks specific descriptors for its auditory profile, which leaves some uncertainty about its tonal qualities. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red excels in providing a muted, low-pitched sound, characterized by its deeper thocky resonance. This switch minimizes noise significantly, making it an excellent option for users in quieter environments or shared spaces where keyboard clatter could be disruptive. The Gravel's sound profile remains undefined, but it may still offer a balanced acoustic experience that leans toward a more traditional mechanical sound when compared to the Dead Silent nature of the MX Silent Red.
When considering feel, the HMX Gravel switch boasts exceptional smoothness and a refined typing experience, thanks to its medium-light actuation force which lends itself to a responsive and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a slightly heftier resistance, which can create a more substantial feel during typing. However, it's important to note that the MX Silent Red consists of a textured feel, which may introduce some friction during key presses. While the Gravel's tactile smoothness offers a friction-free experience, the Silent Red’s textured nature might appeal to those who enjoy a bit of feedback in their keystrokes.
In summary, the HMX Gravel and Cherry MX Silent Red switches cater to different preferences despite both being linear switches. The Gravel is likely to provide a smoother, more traditional sound profile and feel, ideal for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Red is perfect for users who need a quieter option without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a mechanical switch. Ultimately, while they have different auditory and tactile attributes, users can find a suitable mechanical typing experience with either switch based on their personal priorities.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gravel switch may be your go-to choice. With its medium-light actuation force of 50 grams, it provides a responsive feel that is ideal for prolonged typing sessions, allowing you to enjoy a refined and comfortable experience. On the other hand, if you need a switch that minimizes noise while maintaining a satisfying typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the better option. It offers a muted and thocky sound profile, making it perfect for quiet offices or shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. Additionally, while it retains a bit more resistance compared to the Gravel, it still provides the smoothness associated with linear switches, albeit with a textured feel. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a lighter touch with a smoother feel or a quieter typing experience with subtle texture.
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