HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Crystal Brown each bring unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smoothness and refined feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that makes for a responsive and effortless typing experience. This makes it an excellent option for users who prioritize fluidity and speed, such as gamers or those who type extensively. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown features a tactile design that offers a distinct bump at the actuation point, delivering feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who enjoy the feel of their keystrokes. While the Gravel is ideal for a seamless typing experience with little resistance, the Crystal Brown serves those who appreciate tactile sensations that signal successful key presses. 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 Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Outemu Crystal Brown switches utilize the same materials for their top and bottom housings, specifically polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for better resonance and sound clarity. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the visual aesthetic, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups, but also ensures that the sound produced is clean and vibrant, providing an engaging auditory experience for users.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Gravel and Crystal Brown switches are made of nylon, a material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon allow it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. This combination means that while the top housings deliver crisp sounds when the keys are released, the bottom nylon housings dampen the impact sound when the keys bottom out, leading to a well-rounded typing experience. Consequently, users can expect to enjoy a balance between the sharpness of the top sound and the depth of the bottom, irrespective of which switch they choose.

Ultimately, because both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Crystal Brown switches share the same housing materials, the result is a similar audio profile that combines clarity with depth. This consistency in materials ensures that users will experience a comparable performance in terms of sound and feel, albeit with subtle differences that may arise from the specific design and tuning of each switch. Thus, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches results in a harmonious interplay of sounds, enhancing the overall typing experience while accommodating individual preferences for auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of pressure to initiate a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Gravel at 50 grams and the Crystal Brown at 55 grams. This makes the Gravel slightly lighter overall, which may benefit users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Crystal Brown, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer response when bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Crystal Brown is designed for those who appreciate a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Crystal Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and provides a deeper feel. Gamers often favor the shorter travel distance of the Gravel for quicker response times, allowing for rapid key presses, whereas the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Gravel linear switch is characterized by a notably smooth operating sound, making it rather quiet during use. The absence of any tactile bump contributes to a more subdued acoustic profile, appealing to users who prefer a serene typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound is not well-documented, making it difficult to draw any direct comparisons. However, tactile switches often produce a softer thock sound during actuation due to the tactile bump, which might make it slightly more audible than the Gravel. Ultimately, the sound profile of both switches will also be influenced by the choice of the keyboard case, plate materials, and keycap style, allowing for some customization to achieve a desired auditory outcome.

When it comes to the feel, the HMX Gravel switches are highly praised for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing sensation. With a medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter end, these switches provide a responsive and effortless experience that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch lacks a detailed description of its feel, but as a tactile switch, it is generally expected to deliver a bumpy experience during actuation. The tactile feedback may enhance typing accuracy for some users while offering a different sensation compared to the Gravel’s linear action.

In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch offers a smooth, quiet typing environment with a responsive feel thanks to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Crystal Brown switch remains undefined, its tactile nature suggests it will deliver a distinctly different feeling when typing. For those selecting between these two, the Gravel may be more suitable for users seeking a smooth and stealthy experience, while the Crystal Brown might appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences, users may find themselves gravitating toward one or the other based on these subjective qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience, the HMX Gravel’s lighter actuation force and smoothness make it an excellent choice, especially for extensive typing tasks or gaming sessions where quick, fluid key presses are advantageous. This switch is ideal for users who favor a quieter environment and enjoy the feel of a linear switch that glides effortlessly without tactile bumps. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and prefer a slight bump to indicate actuation, the Outemu Crystal Brown is your go-to option. Its medium-light actuation force offers a balanced feel that can enhance typing accuracy for tasks like coding or writing, where knowing when a key has been activated is beneficial. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a silky-smooth keypress or a tactile sensation that aids in typing feedback.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more