HMX Gravel vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique attributes tailored for different user preferences, despite being linear switches. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, providing users with a medium-light actuation force that fosters a responsive and effortless typing experience. This makes it a great option for individuals who enjoy extended typing sessions or prefer a more comfortable feel during general use. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver excels in gaming environments, featuring a design that prioritizes rapid response and full-height construction to maximize speed. With its low spring resistance and instant actuation, it is a perfect choice for gamers who require precision and swiftness in every keystroke. While both switches cater to distinct needs—one focusing on typing comfort and the other on gaming performance—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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, distinct differences arise, particularly in the top housing. The HMX Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for clearer resonance and articulating sounds effectively. Moreover, its translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, enhancing visual effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver employs a nylon top housing that engenders a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller tone. Thus, while both switches are designed to provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Gravel's polycarbonate top creates a more pronounced sound, while the Speed Silver’s nylon top yields a warmer, more muted experience.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a commonality that influences their overall sound profile. Both the HMX Gravel and the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which promotes a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer characteristics. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, a certain level of sound absorption will occur, contributing to a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, any typing action that involves bottoming out will present a consistent, rich sound, regardless of the differences observed in the top housing materials. This shared material ensures that both switches can deliver pleasing acoustic feedback at the base level, creating a familiar sensation for users.
Ultimately, the varying materials used for the top housing result in distinctive sound profiles that characterize each switch. The HMX Gravel's polycarbonate top allows for a sharper, more resonant sound when releasing keys, while the nylon top of the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a rounder, less pronounced auditory feedback. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing between both switches creates a connecting thread in terms of sound absorption and fullness when pressing keys down. Users who enjoy the crispness of the Gravel may appreciate the way the sound dissipates upon release, while those preferring a fuller sound may find the Speed Silver more to their liking. Ultimately, these differences and similarities combine to offer varying tactile and auditory experiences in each switch, catering to diverse preferences in the keyboard market.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to trigger, which is beneficial for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the HMX Gravel is 50 grams, providing a definitive tactile response when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Speed Silver is unspecified, leaving it unclear whether it offers a similar or different experience when bottoming out. If it aligns with the Gravel's specifications, users might find comparable results between the two switches, but if not, the experience may vary significantly. Overall, the HMX Gravel switch is considered the heavier option due to its bottom out force of 50 grams, compared to the unknown measurement for the Speed Silver. This difference in bottom out force could cater to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel with the Gravel switch, while the lighter actuation force of both switches makes them suitable for frequent use.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch differ slightly in their travel distances, with the Gravel switch offering a distance of 3.5 mm, while the Speed Silver measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch has a longer travel distance by a mere 0.1 mm, which might provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver can be advantageous, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke might lean towards the Gravel switch due to its deeper travel. Overall, if you value responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver might cater to your needs better, while the HMX Gravel may appeal to users who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel switches and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, the Gravel switches remain somewhat of an enigma, as their auditory qualities are not expressly noted. In contrast, the Speed Silver switches are characterized by their thocky and low-pitched sound, producing a satisfying, deep "thud" or soft "knock" upon actuation. This auditory richness can enhance the overall typing and gaming experience, providing auditory feedback that some users find gratifying. It's worth mentioning that the sound produced by any switch is also heavily influenced by external factors such as the type of keyboard plate and keycaps used, which can further mold the final acoustic signature.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switches are recognized for their exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter end, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience. This refined typing sensation is highly appealing to those who prioritize smooth keystrokes in their daily use. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switches are noted for their textured feedback, which introduces noticeable friction during actuation. While this texturing may appeal to some users who enjoy a tactile distinction in their keystrokes, it contrasts with the Gravel's reputation for a friction-free experience. Thus, users may find the two switches evoke different tactile feelings under their fingers.
In summary, both the HMX Gravel and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Gravel provides a smooth and lightweight feel ideal for casual typing, the Speed Silver excels in rapid-response scenarios with its textured feedback and low spring resistance, perfect for gamers seeking precision. Sound-wise, the Gravel’s characteristics remain unknown, while the Speed Silver switches deliver a thocky, low-pitched auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes smoothness or a more textured tactile sensation, alongside their particular sound preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, your choice should reflect your specific typing and gaming needs. If you prioritize smoothness and a refined typing experience, the Gravel is an excellent option due to its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams. This switch caters well to those who appreciate a responsive feel without the need for excessive force, making it ideal for long typing sessions, casual use, or when you simply want a tactile sensation with minimal strain. On the other hand, if your primary focus is gaming, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch may be the superior choice for you. With its rapid actuation and designed-for-speed mechanics, this switch excels in fast-paced environments where immediate response is crucial. The textured feel of the Speed Silver can aid gamers looking for tactile feedback, allowing for quick key presses that can provide an edge in competitive scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a smooth, comfortable typing experience or need the fastest possible response time for gaming.
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