HMX Gravel vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Cherry Nixie stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that leans toward a lighter touch, ensuring a responsive and effortless typing experience that enthusiasts cherish. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches embody a classic design revered within the keyboard community, known for their substantial heft combined with a textured feel that offers a unique, tactile typing experience. Incorporating modern improvements from Cherry's recent MX2A update, the Nixies blend tradition with innovation, providing a satisfying 'thocky' sound profile that appeals to many users. While the Gravel emphasizes seamless performance and a lighter touch, the Nixie shines with its robust texture and low-pitched feedback, making each switch suitable for specific typing needs. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Cherry Nixie showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles when typing. The Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigid and stiffer composition. This choice of material enables a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie features a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer and leads to a deeper, fuller sound. This material absorbs sound waves more readily than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, the difference in materials for the top housings sets these two switches apart in terms of the overall sound they produce.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gravel and the Nixie utilize nylon, which brings certain similarities to their performance despite the variance in the top materials. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a consistent typing experience with a rounded sound. This compatibility in materials means that while the top housing influences the crispness and clarity of the sound, both switches will benefit from the absorbent qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience during typing regardless of the differences above.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the differing top housings will create distinct typing sensations for each switch while maintaining certain shared characteristics due to the common use of nylon in the bottom housing. The Gravel's crisper sound from the polycarbonate top will be complemented by the warm fullness provided by the nylon bottom, while the Nixie's nylon both top and bottom will create a more uniform sound experience. Therefore, users seeking clear auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Gravel, while those preferring a softer sound may find the Nixie to be more appealing. Nonetheless, both switches exhibit a harmonious balance created through the nylon bottom housing, demonstrating how material selection critically influences both sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and can type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Nixie switch features a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This difference means that while the Gravel is optimal for long gaming sessions or office work, the Nixie may provide a more satisfying push for users who desire feedback in their keystrokes. Overall, if you prioritize lighter keys for comfort, the Gravel is the better choice, whereas of you prefer a firmer feel, the Cherry Nixie is more suitable.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers appreciate for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Nixie, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer if they enjoy a deeper key press experience. Overall, if you're looking for a swift, responsive typing experience, the Gravel may be more appealing, whereas the Nixie caters to those who favor a more pronounced travel 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 remains an unknown entity, with no specific auditory characteristics described, making it difficult to provide a comparison on this front. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switches produce a pleasingly thocky sound, often described as deep and rich, creating a satisfying acoustic feedback when keys are pressed or released. The Nixie switches emit a low-pitched tone, known for its bass-heavy and mellow quality, which many enthusiasts find appealing for a more auditory typing experience. Thus, while the Gravel’s sound is not defined, Nixie users can expect a distinctly satisfying auditory sensation while typing.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switches excel in offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, providing an effortless and responsive touch. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie switches are noted for their textured feel, which includes noticeable friction during key presses. This textured sensation may appeal to users who appreciate a more tactile experience, while others may find it less desirable compared to the smoother operation of the Gravel switches. Consequently, the Gravel offers a more fluid experience, particularly suited for those who favor seamless keystrokes.
In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch presents a smooth, refined typing experience with a light actuation force, making it ideal for users who prefer a friction-free feel. Meanwhile, the Cherry Nixie linear switch combines traditional elements with modern enhancements, offering a thocky, low-pitched sound complemented by a textured feel that may appeal to a different subset of fans. While the Gravel’s sound profile remains undefined, both switches cater to distinct preferences, ensuring that whether you seek a smooth typing experience or a more tactile feedback, options are available to match your style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and seek a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Gravel is a compelling option. Its 50-gram bottom out force ensures that you can dance across the keys with ease, making it particularly attractive for extended typing sessions, casual gaming, or anyone who appreciates a quick, agile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and enjoy the tactile feedback of a textured switch, the Nixie would be the better fit. At 80 grams, its heavier bottom out force demands a more deliberate press, which some users find satisfying in terms of control and feedback. The thocky sound and texture of the Nixie offer a classic charm that resonates well with traditional keyboard enthusiasts, appealing to those who appreciate a robust typing experience. In summary, choose the Gravel for a light, smooth setup and the Nixie for a heavier, more tactile experience.
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