HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Blue Jade, each offering distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that creates a responsive and effortless typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a clean, linear keystroke without tactile feedback, allowing for quick and fluid typing, perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade stands out as a clicky switch, adding an auditory feedback element to your typing with each keystroke. This clicky nature can be particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy a bit of a "snap" and prefer a more tactile sensation while they type, which often helps in avoiding typographical errors. While the Gravel promotes speed and smoothness, the Blue Jade emphasizes tactile satisfaction 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Blue Jade switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The HMX Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a clearer audio experience, particularly when enhanced with RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics tend to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience. Therefore, while both switches are intended to cater to different auditory preferences—one favoring clarity and sharpness, the other richness and depth—their top housing materials fundamentally reflect the unique sound profiles they are designed to produce.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Blue Jade switches share a commonality. Both utilize nylon as the material for their lower housing. This choice allows both switches to exhibit the same deep and full sound profile often associated with nylon. It absorbs sound, generating a softer bottom-out feel and a muted impact sound. The similarities in bottom housing material mean that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users will still experience a consistent baseline performance when it comes to typing feedback and sound dampening from both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials dictates the overall sound experience when using the HMX Gravel and Outemu Blue Jade switches. The unique characteristics of the polycarbonate and nylon in the top housings result in distinct sound profiles—crisp versus deep—while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures both switches maintain a rich and full auditory experience during key presses. Thus, users can expect varied sound qualities depending on which switch they choose, with the Gravel leaning towards a more vibrant auditory experience and the Blue Jade providing a subdued and rounded sound.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch exhibit distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, reflecting their intended tactile experiences. The Gravel features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to reduced strain. In contrast, the Blue Jade requires a 50-gram actuation force and has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This implies that users may find the Blue Jade offers a more substantial feel, which some might prefer for its satisfying resistance. Thus, while the Gravel allows for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes, the Blue Jade delivers a firmer typing experience, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, distinguishing it as the longer switch. This 0.5 mm difference means that users who prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience may favor the Gravel switch for its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker actuation. However, those who appreciate a bit more depth and a more pronounced tactile feedback might lean towards the Blue Jade, which provides a more traditional travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and typing 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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
The HMX Gravel linear switch is characterized by its smooth operation, producing a generally quieter typing experience as opposed to many tactile or clicky switches. While the exact sound profile for the Gravel isn't detailed, linear switches typically create a muted sound without the audible feedback that clicky switches provide. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is designed to produce a distinct and pronounced click upon actuation, contributing to an enjoyable auditory experience for users who appreciate audible feedback. This click sound can be very satisfying and helps users confirm that their keystroke has registered, making them ideal for typists who thrive on acoustic cues.
When it comes to feel, the Gravel distinguishes itself through its exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The medium-light actuation force allows for quick key presses, resulting in a fluid motion that many users find highly appealing. This ease of use makes the Gravel an excellent choice for long typing sessions without finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Blue Jade, while lacking a specific description, is inherently clicky, which typically means it provides tactile feedback as well. This tactile bump coupled with the click sound can enhance typing precision for some users, although it may not be as smooth as linear switches like the Gravel.
Overall, both switches appeal to different types of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The HMX Gravel’s smooth and quiet characteristics make it ideal for users who prefer a minimalist auditory experience and a light touch, while the Outemu Blue Jade’s clicky nature provides an engaging and feedback-rich typing journey. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, each switch offers its own unique benefits, and by considering your typing style, you can choose the one that best aligns with your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a smooth, responsive feel that allows for fast, effortless typing with a lighter touch, the Gravel switch is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force caters to those who favor a softer keystroke and desire minimal resistance, making it ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or if you prefer a more delicate typing experience overall. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and the auditory satisfaction of a clicky switch, then the Outemu Blue Jade, with its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, would suit you better. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate that crispy sound and feedback on each keystroke, making it particularly enjoyable for typing or coding tasks where you want definitive confirmation that you've pressed each key. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a smooth glide or a pronounced tactile response in your keyboard experience.
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