HMX Gravel vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, stands out for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a responsive and effortless typing experience. With its medium-light actuation force, the Gravel allows for quick and fluid keystrokes without straining the fingers. In contrast, the Bsun Olive features a tactile design with pronounced feedback, offering a unique auditory experience due to its all-POM housing. This medium-weight switch is characterized by a deep resonance and a satisfying tactile bump that many users find invigorating. Both the Gravel and the Olive cater to different typing styles—one focusing on smoothness and speed, while the other emphasizes a tactile sensation and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Olive, it is evident that they utilize different plastics for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct acoustic profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This quality not only enhances clarity but also makes the Gravel an appealing choice for those looking to leverage RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal illumination. Conversely, the Olive's top housing is made of POM, which lends itself to a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM's unique characteristics create a pleasing auditory experience but offer a stark contrast to the high frequencies generated by the Gravel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gravel and the Olive employ nylon and POM materials respectively, which contribute to their overall sound experience. The Gravel's nylon bottom housing produces a rounder and fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic absorbs more sound energy, resulting in a duller yet rich auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Olive’s POM bottom housing shares a similar deeper sound profile, characterized by its pleasant yet muted tones. This similarity suggests that while the Gravel emphasizes clarity and brightness in its audio output, the Olive leans towards a warmer and fuller experience, providing unique qualities despite the difference in materials.
Ultimately, the interaction of the top and bottom housing materials in both switches affects their overall auditory response. With the Gravel's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, the higher-pitched sounds are more pronounced when keys are released, while the deeper notes are felt during the actuation. In contrast, the Olive's POM top and bottom create a smoother transition in sound, resulting in a less pronounced tonal distinction between pressing and releasing the key. Both switches showcase how variations in materials lead to unique yet complementary sound profiles, allowing users to choose between sharp clarity and rich depth based on their personal preference.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will have similar typing experiences in terms of the force required to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differentiate these two switches significantly; the Gravel's bottom out force is 50 grams, while the Olive's is noticeably heavier at 65 grams. This contrast indicates that while both switches require the same initial force to activate, the Olive switch will feel more substantial when fully pressed down, appealing to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Consequently, those seeking a lighter option for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Gravel switch due to its lower bottom out force. In summary, while both switches deliver the same light actuation force, the Olive's heavier overall resistance might make it less suitable for users looking for a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Gravel a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down a key, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Olive, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for enhanced performance. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive experience, the Olive's 3.4 mm travel distance may suit you better; however, if you appreciate a deeper feel and don't mind the slightly longer distance, the Gravel is the way to go.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 and the Bsun Olive switches, notable differences emerge. The Gravel's sound is characterized by smoothness, allowing for discreet typing that won't be overly distracting in quiet environments. In contrast, the Olive switches produce a resonant, deep sound that is both pronounced and satisfying, contributing to a more audible keyboard experience. This auditory distinction offers users a choice between a subtle and refined sound with the Gravel, and a more impactful, audible feedback with the Olive, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference for sound dynamics.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switches excel with their exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. They feature a medium-light actuation force, allowing for effortless keystrokes that promote a comfortable and responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches deliver a uniquely invigorating experience characterized by a distinct tactile bump that isn't overwhelming but provides notable feedback. Their medium weight, combined with a sharp, snappy response, ensures that each keypress is engaging and satisfying. The Olive switches strike a balance between pronounced tactile feedback and a snappy reaction, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience.
Overall, both the HMX Gravel and Bsun Olive switches cater to different typing preferences through their distinct sound and feel profiles. If you favor a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Gravel is the way to go. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile and resonant auditory feedback with an invigorating typing sensation, the Olive switches will likely serve you well. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile response while typing, and both options will deliver unique yet satisfying results in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor an effortless typing experience, the Gravel’s 50-gram actuation force and exceptional smoothness will suit you well, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where fast, reactive keystrokes are essential. The Gravel is an excellent choice if you prioritize silence, as it produces a softer sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, you’ll likely lean toward the Bsun Olive switch. With its heavier 65-gram actuation force, the Olive provides a more pronounced tactile response that can make typing feel more engaging and satisfying, while also giving you a deeper sound that many users find appealing. Thus, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel and an auditory experience that truly resonates, the Olive would be your ideal switch. Ultimately, assess whether you want the light and smooth typing feel of the Gravel or the tactile feedback and satisfying sound of the Olive to ensure your mechanical keyboard reflects your individual style and needs.
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