HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that cater to different preferences, such as the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Cold Plum. The HMX Gravel switches are recognized for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that promotes a responsive and effortless typing feel. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches stand out with their unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering both a smooth keystroke and a satisfying auditory feedback that appeals to users who relish a more tactile and sonorous typing experience. While the Gravel emphasizes a smooth and lighter touch, the Cold Plum is perfect for those who appreciate the auditory pleasure of their keystrokes. 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 Cold Plum Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and the Outemu Cold Plum are distinguished by their choice of housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles and performance. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing. This clarity enhances the overall typing experience, particularly for users who enjoy a more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Cold Plum opts for a nylon top housing, which is notably softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic effect. The discrepancy in the top housings suggests that users can expect different auditory experiences from these switches, with the Gravel offering a brighter tone compared to the warmer, rounder profile of the Cold Plum.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Cold Plum utilize nylon. This shared material leads to a consistent attribute across both switches: the ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. The nylon bottom housing's softer nature absorbs sound, contributing to a muted yet satisfying bottom-out experience for users of both switches. This similarity in bottom housing materials indicates that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will experience a comparable sound signature during key actuations, highlighting the overall compatibility of performance aimed at an enjoyable typing experience.

In evaluating the combined effects of each switch's housing materials, it becomes clear how the contrasting top and consistent bottom housings will influence the typing experience. While the Gravel's polycarbonate top enhances the sound produced when releasing a key, the nylon bottom still contributes to a satisfying damping effect during the bottom-out. Meanwhile, the Cold Plum’s all-nylon construction emphasizes a more subdued auditory response overall. Therefore, while users may prefer one model over the other for its unique sound characteristics, both switches deliver solid performance, albeit through different acoustic lenses thanks to their distinct top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial during long hours of use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Consequently, while the Gravel switch is ideal for those seeking a lighter touch, the Cold Plum offers a firmer response, giving users a distinct choice based on their preferences for typing feel and durability.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are notable differences that may impact user experience. The Gravel switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option, while the Cold Plum measures at 3.3 mm, thus providing a shorter travel distance. For gamers or users who favor quicker responses, the Outemu Cold Plum may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter distance, potentially allowing for more rapid keystrokes. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth when typing might lean towards the HMX Gravel, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile experience. This contrast exemplifies the balance between response time and typing comfort, catering to different user preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness but lacks specific details about its auditory characteristics. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch boasts a distinct thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts find appealing. The Cold Plum's sound is further enhanced by its fully nylon construction, contributing to a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the overall sound of both switches can vary based on the specific keyboard they’re used in and the choice of keycaps, which may influence how pronounced their individual qualities are.

Regarding the tactile feel, the HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their medium-light actuation force and a remarkably refined smoothness that offers an effortless typing experience. This blend creates an inviting sensation for users who prioritize a soft and responsive feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches deliver a smooth keystroke paired with a unique tactile experience characterized by its thocky sound. While both switches provide a smooth keystroke, the Gravel leans more towards a lighter touch, catering to those who prefer less resistance, while the Cold Plum may offer more feedback through its construction and sound profile.

In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience, each with its own strengths. The Gravel offers a smooth and light touch that's effortless, while the Cold Plum introduces a thocky sound and a unique typing feel that some may find more satisfying. If you appreciate smooth keystrokes with a lighter actuation, the Gravel might be your go-to, but if you desire a stronger auditory and tactile signature, the Cold Plum could be the better fit. Each switch has its merits, and enthusiasts can expect an enjoyable experience regardless of the choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch should depend on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, force, and sound. If you prefer a lighter switch that allows for rapid and effortless typing while offering exceptional smoothness, you will likely thrive with the HMX Gravel. It's particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming due to its 50-gram bottom-out force and refined feel, ensuring comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, the Outemu Cold Plum might be your ideal pick. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a noticeable resistance that can be satisfying for those who like to feel the keys more firmly beneath their fingers. Additionally, the Cold Plum switches excel in delivering a thocky sound profile, making them appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback from their typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek a gentle touch with the Gravel or a more tactile experience with the Cold Plum, both of which offer unique advantages to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more