HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the HMX Gravel and Gateron Oil King (V2) both present compelling options within the linear category. The HMX Gravel is praised for its exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel, designed for enthusiasts who desire a responsive experience with a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. This makes the Gravel an excellent choice for those looking for a feather-light touch coupled with a satisfying overall feel. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) stands out for its unique buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the gratifying crunch of a dark chocolate bar snapping, creating a rich sensory experience that many gamers and typists crave. While both switches offer smooth performance, the Gravel provides a more lightweight typing experience, whereas the Oil King (V2) excels in its sound and tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Oil King (V2), we see distinct differences in their top and bottom housings that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffness in the material allows for a more resonant audio experience, highlighting its clarity, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated due to its translucent properties. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and less pronounced acoustic performance compared to the Gravel. As such, even though both materials are effective in enhancing sound quality, their inherent differences lead to contrasting auditory experiences when engaging with the switches.
Both the Gravel and the Oil King (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similar effects to their sound profiles. The Gravel’s nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, reinforcing the overall audio characteristics of the switch. Meanwhile, the Oil King (V2) showcases Gateron’s proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, which despite being nylon-based, is geared towards creating a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile that juxtaposes the more subdued qualities of the Gravel switch. While both switches exhibit the advantageous sound absorption properties of nylon in their lower housings, the nuances introduced by the INK blend in the Oil King (V2) ensure that the auditory experience remains distinct, thereby producing a soundscape that is both engaging and different from the Gravel.
The interplay of these materials highlights how the distinct characteristics of each housing affect the overall typing experience. The HMX Gravel's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a switch that delivers a unique balance of sharpness and fullness. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) presents a blend of sound profiles that is distinctly original due to its proprietary housing composition. While both switches leverage the benefits of nylon, the contrasting materials utilized in the top housing significantly influence the sound produced when bottoming out versus when the key is released. Ultimately, users might achieve some similarities in typing feedback and depth of sound, yet the differences in acoustic signature will lead to a unique experience with each switch, underscoring the importance of housing material in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch present distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) is notably heavier, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, if you seek a lighter switch for greater ease during prolonged use, the Gravel is the optimal choice, while the Oil King (V2) serves those who favor a more resistant trigger action. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Gravel boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oil King (V2) measures at 4 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker responses typical of gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2) offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. Consequently, if responsiveness is your priority, the Gravel is the way to go, while those who seek a more substantial keystroke experience may lean towards the Oil King (V2).
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When considering the sound profile of the HMX Gravel linear switch versus the Gateron Oil King (V2), there is a marked difference. The Gravel's sound characteristics are currently unknown, but the Oil King (V2) is noted for its low-pitched, bassy tone, which provides a deeper and richer auditory experience during use. This sound is often compared to the pleasurable sound of dark chocolate snapping, creating an enjoyable and satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate. The Oil King's sound profile likely complements the overall typing experience, allowing for a more immersive interaction with the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing sensation, but the precise descriptions of its tactile characteristics remain undisclosed. The Oil King (V2), on the other hand, is characterized by a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. This suggests that the Oil King offers an effortless keystroke with minimized resistance, effectively gliding your fingers across the keys. The inclusion of factory lubing or specific materials enhances its smoothness, resulting in an overall superior tactile feel compared to many other linear switches, and making each key press a delight.
In conclusion, while the sound profile of the HMX Gravel remains undefined, the Gateron Oil King (V2) provides a rich auditory experience complemented by its buttery smooth feel. The Gravel switch promises a refined typing experience that may appeal to those looking for smoothness, while the Oil King (V2) stands out with a creamy texture that provides seamless keystrokes. If sound and feel preferences align with the unique characteristics of these switches, enthusiasts may find satisfaction in either option, depending on what tactile sensations they prioritize in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a lighter touch and prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Gravel switches are the way to go. With their 50-gram bottom-out force, they provide a delightful responsive feel that's perfect for those who enjoy fast typing or rapid keystrokes during gaming or coding sessions. Additionally, the Gravel's smoothness can enhance your overall typing comfort, potentially reducing fatigue during long use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a richer auditory experience, the Gateron Oil King (V2) might be better suited for you. With a 65-gram bottom-out force, you'll find these switches give you a medium-heavy tactile feedback that can foster a more deliberate typing style. The creamy and buttery sensation, complemented by their low-pitched, bassy sound profile, will satisfy those who value not just how a switch feels, but also how it sounds. Ultimately, assessing what you prioritize most in your typing experience—whether it’s the light responsiveness of the Gravel or the rich, polished feel of the Oil King (V2)—will guide you to the switch that best fits your needs.
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