HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Cream Blue

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who value a seamless keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, the Gravel provides a responsive and effortless typing experience, catering especially to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that offers a distinctive auditory feedback with each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile sensation and the satisfying sound that accompanies typing. This switch is perfect for those who take pleasure in a more traditional typing experience reminiscent of vintage typewriters. 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 Cream Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Gravel and Outemu Cream Blue switches, one notable difference lies in the top housing materials. The Gravel utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in clearer resonance when typing. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch features a nylon top housing that is softer, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches have excellent acoustic properties, the choice of polycarbonate in the Gravel ensures brighter sounds that may be more pronounced when combined with RGB lighting, whereas the Cream Blue’s nylon housing results in subtler and more muted auditory feedback.

Despite the contrasting top housing materials, both switches share nylon in their bottom housings. This similarity leads to a more cohesive sound profile when such switches are engaged. The nylon materials in both the Gravel and Cream Blue provide a deeper, fuller sound due to their tendency to absorb sound. This property means that both switches are less likely to produce sharp bottom-out sounds, avoiding a jarring typing experience. As both utilize nylon at the base, users can expect consistency in how the switches feel during typing, regardless of the differences in their top housings.

Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the Gravel and Cream Blue switches illustrates how contrasting and complementary design choices can lead to unique user experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gravel provides a crisper sound that is particularly enhanced with RGB setups, while the nylon bottom housing helps to create a more rounded auditory experience. On the flip side, the Cream Blue offers a more cohesive and muted profile with its nylon top and bottom. Consequently, while the materials differ in their impacts, the shared nylon at the bottom allows both switches to deliver a satisfying typing feel, demonstrating that even with different materials, users can achieve similarly enjoyable experiences tailored to their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while its bottom out force of 50 grams reinforces that lighter tactile experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This medium-heavy resistance provides a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push during key presses. Thus, the HMX Gravel is overall the lighter option, catering to those who favor comfort in prolonged use, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue appeals to users seeking a firmer, more tactile feedback. This variance in force preference can significantly influence the typing experience depending on the user's inclination towards weight and feedback in their switch choices.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there is a notable difference. The Gravel switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Cream Blue switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction suggests that users who prefer quicker response times may favor the Gravel due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might find the Cream Blue's longer travel distance of 4 mm more satisfying. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the Gravel's shorter travel could feel more abrupt to some users, whereas the Cream Blue provides a deeper and potentially more tactile typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch tends to produce a quieter profile with a smooth keystroke, resulting in a more subdued acoustic signature during typing. This makes it suited for environments where noise could be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch produces a distinct and audible click upon actuation, providing an unmistakable auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This characteristic makes the Cream Blue a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keypress, but it may not be ideal for shared spaces where noise could be a factor.

In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch offers a highly refined typing experience characterized by exceptional smoothness. With its medium-light actuation force skewing lighter, it ensures an effortless and responsive keystroke that many users appreciate during prolonged typing sessions. The Outemu Cream Blue, being a clicky switch, provides a tactile bump along with the clicking sound, which can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more engaging and interactive feel. However, the tactile feedback can often be less smooth compared to linear switches, and the added actuation resistance may be less appealing for users who favor a lighter switch.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Cream Blue switches serve different purposes catering to varied typing preferences, they offer unique experiences. The Gravel emphasizes smoothness and low noise, making it suitable for a quieter setup, while the Cream Blue brings a lively auditory and tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy feedback during their typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, one can achieve satisfying results with either switch, ensuring that there's a suitable option for every type of mechanical keyboard enthusiast.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and intended usage. If you favor a smooth and refined typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the HMX Gravel would be an excellent fit, especially if you're engaged in long typing sessions or gaming where quick reactions are critical. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes each keystroke effortless, allowing for prolonged comfort without fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and the satisfying auditory click that accompanies each keypress, the Outemu Cream Blue is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, it provides a more substantial tactile experience that can enhance your typing satisfaction, particularly if you thrive on the audible and physical response of a clicky switch. In conclusion, choose the Gravel for smoothness and convenience, and opt for the Cream Blue if you appreciate a more robust feel and sound during your typing endeavors.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more