HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When exploring the landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Black linear switches present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, thanks to its medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, providing a responsive and effortless feel ideal for long typing sessions and gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Black, while lacking standout features, is often favored for its sturdier, heavier actuation that can offer a more controlled typing experience, making it a solid choice for those who prefer less accidental key presses. Both switches serve their respective audiences well, with the Gravel appealing to enthusiasts seeking a fluid and light touch, while the Black offers reliability and robustness for more deliberate typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Outemu Black Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and the Outemu Black switches exhibit remarkable similarities in their materials, explicitly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize this stiff plastic, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The acoustic benefits derived from polycarbonate include a clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making both switches visually striking when illuminated. Hence, users can expect a comparable auditory experience with both switches, enriched by the bright, high-pitched sounds facilitated by the polycarbonate top.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Black switches utilize nylon, a material known for its distinct acoustic properties. While polycarbonate fosters an elevated sound profile, nylon brings a depth and fullness to the typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory output. This inherent difference means that while both switches may deliver a sharp top-end sound, the grounded depth from the nylon bottom housing will add a layer of acoustic richness that characters the overall performance.

The interplay between the materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches contributes significantly to their sound profiles. While both utilize polycarbonate for a bright, clear sound, the nylon bottom housings offer a counterbalance, creating a richer and fuller typing experience. When typing on either the Gravel or the Black, users can experience the pronounced clarity from the top while simultaneously enjoying the warm, rounded depth provided by the nylon bottom. This careful combination ensures that both switches yield a well-rounded and enjoyable auditory experience, meshing high and low frequencies harmoniously.

Weight

The HMX Gravel and Outemu Black linear switches differ significantly in both their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varied user preferences. The Gravel switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor ease of typing and prolonged use without finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, appealing to those who desire a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, while both switches provide distinct characteristics, the Gravel is ideal for users seeking a lighter, more effortless touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Black is better suited for those who appreciate a firmer feel and don’t mind a stronger push. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gravel switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Black switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker responsiveness. Conversely, the Outemu Black switch, with its longer 4 mm distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In summary, if you are looking for speed and quick key presses, the HMX Gravel is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Black provides a deeper engagement for those who enjoy a more traditional feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, contributing to a notably quiet sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This understated acoustics make it ideal for office environments or shared spaces, where noise could be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's worth noting that both switches will produce a sound that can be influenced by various external factors like the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps, so users may find that both switches can potentially deliver a similar auditory experience, albeit with different character depending on the configurations employed.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gravel's medium-light actuation force provides a responsive and effortless typing experience. This switch allows for a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a light touch while typing. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch isn't detailed, leaving a gap in the comparison. Generally, linear switches like the Outemu Black may also offer a smooth feel, albeit the tactile feedback and responsiveness might vary depending on their design specifications. Therefore, if accurate feedback or resistance is a priority, personal preference may dictate which switch feels better, as the Gravel provides a clear advantage in known smoothness and actuation characteristics.

In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch stands out for its refined typing feel and smooth operation, making it a strong choice for both casual and serious typists. Its sound profile leans towards quiet, creating an environment-friendly option. In comparison, the Outemu Black linear switch lacks detailed information, particularly regarding its sound and feel, making a direct comparison less favorable. Ultimately, while the Gravel offers defined characteristics, the choice between the two may still come down to personal preference, individual typing styles, and the specific keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light, smooth, and responsive typing experience, the Gravel is your best choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous key press, allowing for rapid keystrokes with minimal effort—which is especially beneficial for fast typists or gamers who need to register multiple commands quickly. On the other hand, if you enjoy a firmer feel and prefer typing with greater resistance, the Outemu Black, with its heavy 82-gram bottom-out force, may be more appealing. This switch is well-suited for those who appreciate the tactile feedback that comes from a heavier press, which can enhance accuracy while typing. In terms of sound and feel, while the Gravel is often praised for its smooth experience, the specifics may vary depending on your keyboard build. The overall preference will come down to whether you desire a light, effortless experience or a more substantial, weighted touch. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics will help you choose the switch that aligns best with your typing or gaming style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more