HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of various options. The HMX Gravel switch, a linear switch, excels in providing an extraordinarily smooth and refined typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke and minimal resistance. With a medium-light actuation force, the Gravel is designed for effortless typing, perfect for long hours of work or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch, known for its clicky feedback, caters to users seeking an audible and tactile response with each keypress. This switch is especially gratifying for typists who enjoy a more traditional, modern typing feel reminiscent of classic typewriters. While the Gravel offers a seamless experience perfect for speed and efficiency, the Dustproof Green engages typists with its inherent sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The HMX Gravel and the Outemu Dustproof Green both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar sound profiles characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature imparts a clearer resonance to the switches, which is especially effective in conjunction with RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, allowing the light to diffuse seamlessly and create vibrant color displays through the switch. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a comparable acoustic output when it comes to the top housing, which is integral for the key release sound.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a material known for its softer characteristics compared to polycarbonate. This softness translates into a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound energy, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory response. As such, the Gravel and the Dustproof Green will provide a distinctive contrast between their top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing significantly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses. This duality in materials ensures that users experience the benefits of both enhanced clarity above and comforting depth below when typing.
Ultimately, while the HMX Gravel and Outemu Dustproof Green share similar materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the interaction between polycarbonate and nylon leads to a well-rounded typing experience. The clear and resonant sound profile from the polycarbonate top will be complemented by the fuller, more absorbent qualities of the nylon bottom, providing a balanced and satisfying switch experience. Users can confidently expect to achieve similar results in both switches, leveraging the distinctive properties of each material to create a harmonious blend of sound and feel that appeals to various typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. This contrast means that while the Gravel switch is ideal for those seeking ease and quick responsiveness, the Green switch provides a firmer resistance that may enhance typing experience for users who favor tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize a lighter switch for comfort during extensive use, the HMX Gravel is the better choice, while those looking for a stronger push should lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Gravel features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dustproof Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in distance can affect the typing experience and responsiveness of each switch. For users who prioritize rapid response times, the Gravel may be more appealing due to its shallower travel, enabling quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who favor a more tactile and hearty feeling while typing may find the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Dustproof Green to be more satisfying. Thus, for individuals looking for a snappier experience, the Gravel is the preferable option, whereas the Dustproof Green caters to those who enjoy deeper keystrokes.
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 Dustproof Green 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
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, the sound profile is an important consideration. The HMX Gravel switch is renowned for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for users who prefer a more understated auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch is characterized by its clicky sound, providing an audible feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, as it reinforces each actuation with a satisfying 'click' that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice of the switch will influence the sound, with the Gravel offering a more muted environment and the Dustproof Green delivering distinct acoustic feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch excels with its exceptionally smooth response and a medium-light actuation force, allowing for effortless keystrokes that contribute to a refined typing experience. The Gravel is specifically designed to reduce friction and enhance the overall tactile experience, making it a favorite among those who prioritize a seamless typing motion. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green, being a clicky switch, offers a more tactile sensation with pronounced feedback at the actuation point, catering to users who enjoy a more interactive feel during typing sessions. This contrast creates a subjective experience where Gravel’s smoothness competes with Dustproof Green's tactile engagement.
In conclusion, the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch offer distinctly different experiences based on their sound and feel characteristics. The Gravel prioritizes a quieter, smooth, and responsive typing experience, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise is a consideration. Conversely, the Dustproof Green thrives on its clicky feedback, appealing to users who appreciate auditory and tactile cues. Your ultimate choice should align with your personal preferences for sound and feel, as each switch excels in its respective domain.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel linear switches and Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gravel switches are an excellent option due to their lightweight actuation force of 50 grams, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes with a refined feel. They are particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or gamers seeking rapid key presses without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and audible feedback while you type, the Outemu Dustproof Green switches with their heavier actuation force of 80 grams may be the better choice for you. These switches offer a distinct clicky sensation, which can enhance your typing experience if you enjoy feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, assessing the weight, sound, and feel of each switch will guide you to the right decision based on your specific preferences and intended usage.
Mentioned in this article
