HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Gold present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences and styles. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize a quiet and fluid keystroke. With a medium-light actuation force, the Gravel switch provides a responsive feel that makes typing effortless and enjoyable, especially for those who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch designed for users who enjoy an auditory response with each keystroke. The satisfying click sound not only enhances the typing experience, adding a tactile feedback that many find gratifying but also makes it easier to feel when a key has been actuated. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness and silence versus tactile feedback and a satisfying click—your individual preferences will ultimately steer your choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Outemu Gold switches share a remarkable similarity in their choice of housing materials, employing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches boast polycarbonate tops, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This sound quality is particularly pronounced when RGB lighting is integrated, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing illumination that complements the auditory experience. Users can anticipate a comparable sound profile from both switches when it comes to the acoustics created during key releases, highlighting the effectiveness of polycarbonate in achieving clarity and resonance.

However, the bottom housings of both switches diverge in how they influence the overall sound profile. With the Gravel and Gold utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, they deliver a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to stiffer materials, resulting in a rounder and more subdued sound during key presses. This distinct quality in the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, making typing on these switches a unique experience. Despite the similar composition of polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms enhance the tactile feedback and the auditory characteristics when a key is fully depressed.

In terms of performance, while both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Gold feature the same housing materials, the way the top and bottom housings interact under the force of a keystroke results in a well-balanced sound profile. Users can expect that pressing down will create a different auditory experience compared to releasing the key, with nylon shaping the deeper sounds felt during actuation and polycarbonate accentuating the zippier tones produced upon key release. Thus, even when the materials are identical, the construction of each housing influences how users perceive sound and feel while typing, allowing both switches to deliver enjoyable yet distinct experiences on the keyboard.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar feel of responsiveness when initiating a keystroke. This shared actuation force contributes to a lightweight typing experience, making both switches suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gravel switch feels lighter at 50 grams compared to the heavier 60 grams of the Gold switch. This heavier bottom out force in the Outemu Gold switch provides a more substantial typing feedback, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for minimal resistance and a lighter typing experience, the HMX Gravel would be the better choice, while the Outemu Gold offers a firmer push that may appeal to those seeking heftier feedback in their strokes.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold switch, which aligns more closely with the traditional 4 mm standard common in many keyboards. For gamers or users seeking quicker response times, the Gravel switch may be more appealing due to its reduced distance, leading to a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Gold switch provides a deeper travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt for typing purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding the balance of responsiveness versus key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Gravel linear switch is characterized by a smooth and discreet operation, providing a quiet typing experience that is appreciated in shared workspaces or during late-night typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch offers a distinctly louder and more pronounced sound due to its click mechanism. This switch produces a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. While the Gravel's subdued sound enhances focus and reduces distraction, the Gold’s clicky feedback can energize the typing experience, catering to users who take pleasure in the acoustic feedback of their switches.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch boasts an exceptionally smooth glide, which many users find enticing for both fast-paced typing and long-duration gaming. The medium-light actuation force ensures that these switches require minimal effort to activate, promoting a comfortable and fluid typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a tactile bump followed by an audible click at the actuation point, combining both texture and sound to create an engaging typing experience. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for many users, especially those who prefer a more interactive and responsive feel under their fingers.

In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel. While the Gravel excels in smoothness and quiet operation, ideal for those seeking a refined and unobtrusive typing experience, the Gold switch captures the attention of users who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory confirmation with every keystroke. Depending on your typing style and environment, you’ll find that each switch offers a unique experience that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a light actuation force and a smooth, refined typing experience, the HMX Gravel is your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for extensive typing sessions, gaming, or any scenario where speed and comfort are paramount, as its 50-gram bottom out force allows for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience while typing, the Outemu Gold clicky switch, with its 60-gram force, would be ideal. This switch is likely to appeal to those who relish the classic clicky sound and feeling while typing, which can enhance the satisfaction of every keystroke. In essence, choose the Gravel for smoothness and ease, and opt for the Gold if you want that distinctive clicky sensation.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more