HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Cream Yellow each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Gravel, a renowned linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth feel and responsive actuation, characterized by a medium-light force that ensures an effortless typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, classified as a tactile switch, provides a distinct typing experience with a noticeable bump that enhances tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a more engaged and deliberate feel while typing. Whether you lean towards the silky smoothness of the Gravel or the satisfying tactile feedback of the Cream Yellow, each switch has its own merits and appeals to different preferences. 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 Yellow Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, it becomes evident that the two use fundamentally different materials for their top housings. The Gravel utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile during typing. This is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, which inherently produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing qualities. Therefore, users can expect markedly different auditory experiences from these switches, with the Gravel providing a more high-pitched sound while the Cream Yellow offers a rounder auditory signature.

In terms of bottom housings, both the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon. This shared material results in a consistency in terms of sound profile in the bottom-out stage of the switches. Given the softness of nylon, both switches will elicit similar characteristics when the key is fully pressed down, such as a duller and rounder sound that users often associate with a satisfying, cushioned typing experience. Thus, while the top housing materials contribute distinct qualities to the overall typing sound and feedback, the identical nylon bottom housings ensure that both switches engage users with a similar tactile sensation upon bottoming out.

Ultimately, the varied housing materials between the two switches lead to a dichotomy in their acoustic responses while also maintaining some parity through their shared nylon bottoms. Users looking for a clear and resonant typing experience might lean towards the HMX Gravel due to its polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a richer, deeper sound might favor the Outemu Cream Yellow with its nylon top. However, regardless of the choice, the nylon bottoms provide a unified experience in terms of depth and impact during key presses, demonstrating how a combination of different materials can yield rich subtleties in user experience while still achieving comparable results in certain aspects.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them comparable in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that both switches offer a light typing experience, which can be beneficial for extensive typing or gaming sessions, reducing finger fatigue. However, the bottom out forces differ; the Gravel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cream Yellow's bottom out force is higher at 60 grams. This means that while both switches feel the same at the actuation point, the Cream Yellow provides a heavier, more substantial feel when pressed all the way down, making it potentially more satisfying for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Therefore, if you're seeking a lighter overall experience, the HMX Gravel would be the preferable option, while the Outemu Cream Yellow is better suited for those who enjoy a heavier feel in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we observe that the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Gravel provides a more pronounced key press, making it feel deeper and potentially more satisfying for users who prefer that traditional keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, as its 3.3 mm travel allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you are inclined toward a more responsive feel, the Cream Yellow would be your choice; however, if you enjoy a more substantial depth in your key presses, the HMX Gravel would be the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is recognized for its smooth actuation, which translates to a quieter typing experience overall. The linear nature of the Gravel switch allows for a more muted sound profile as there’s no tactile bump to create noise during keypresses. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have a specified sound characteristic; however, tactile switches typically produce a subtle sound when the tactile bump is engaged, contributing to a slightly more audible experience compared to linears. It's important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard build, materials, and keycaps used with either switch.

In terms of feel, the Gravel switch excels with a design focused on providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. With its medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter side, users can expect a delightful responsiveness that makes typing feel effortless. This results in a refined touch and fluidity that many enthusiasts seek. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, which means it provides feedback through a noticeable bump at the actuation point, allowing typists to discern when a key has been activated. While the specifics of its feel are less defined, tactile switches generally offer a more pronounced sensation, which can be appealing to those who prefer feedback while typing.

In conclusion, the HMX Gravel linear switch boasts exceptional smoothness and a quiet sound profile ideal for those seeking a serene typing experience, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offers tactile feedback that may appeal to typists who prefer physical confirmation of key presses. Despite the differences in feel and sound, both switches cater to varying preferences, making it possible to achieve satisfying results in their own right. For a newcomer to the mechanical keyboard world, experiencing both switch types could offer insights into personal preferences for typing style and sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch depends largely on your preferences for typing feel, force, and auditory feedback. If you value a smooth and responsive typing experience with a lighter touch, the HMX Gravel switch is your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a comfortable, effortless action that is particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers looking for speed and precision without fatigue. The Gravel's smoothness enhances the overall experience, allowing you to glide through your typing tasks with ease. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with the added resistance of a medium-force switch, the Outemu Cream Yellow might better suit your needs. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying, deliberate typing experience that can give you a sense of control, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a bit more feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, you should choose the Gravel for its smoothness and lighter touch if you prioritize speed and fluidity, while the Cream Yellow is the go-to for a tactile experience that offers a bit more resistance. Consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and comfort to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more