HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your overall typing experience, and two compelling options are the HMX Gravel, a linear switch, and the Outemu Green, a clicky switch. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a responsive, effortless experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it leans towards the lighter side, allowing for quick and seamless keystrokes that are ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch offers a distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback, catering to users who appreciate an audible confirmation of their keystrokes and a more engaging typing experience. While the Gravel provides a smooth and quiet typing experience suitable for office environments or late-night work, the Green’s clicky mechanism can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best 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
Standard
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 housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Green share notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributable to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also ensures that both switches are well-suited for RGB lighting setups, allowing for an aesthetically pleasing experience when illuminated. Thus, users of either switch can expect a bright and vibrant light display, enriching the overall typing experience.
In contrast to their top housings, both the Gravel and the Green utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice evokes a different auditory quality, as nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound more effectively. As a result, both switches provide a deeper, fuller sound profile when bottomed out, creating a more rounded auditory sensation. Users will experience a unique sound dynamic, where the polycarbonate top amplifies higher frequencies while the nylon bottom enriches the lower frequencies, providing a well-balanced acoustic experience.
The interplay of these materials shapes the overall feel and sound of each switch. While the polycarbonate top influences the release sound, contributing to a clearer and crisper auditory feedback, the nylon bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound profile. This combination allows users to enjoy the distinctive characteristics of each material, lending a diverse tactile and auditory experience whether they are typing on the Gravel or the Green. Ultimately, despite their differences in bottom housing materials, the switches create a harmonious balance between high and low frequencies, resulting in an enjoyable and responsive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Outemu Green clicky switch, there are distinct differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is significantly heavier, with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This additional weight caters to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback when typing, enhancing their overall typing experience. As a result, the Gravel is ideal for users seeking ease and comfort, while the Green serves those who appreciate a firmer push feel. In summary, the Gravel's lighter forces might lead to less fatigue over long periods, while the heavier Green switch provides a more resistive tactile sensation for a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Green. For users who prefer a more responsive feel, the Gravel might be a better choice due to its reduced travel distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes. Conversely, the Green, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial tactile experience that some may find more satisfying, particularly those who prefer a deeper actuation. Overall, the distinction in travel distances highlights the unique advantages each switch offers, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
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 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 it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch delivers a notably muted profile, emphasizing a quieter typing experience that allows for concentration without the distraction of excessive noise. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch produces a pronounced, audible click with each actuation, catering to those who enjoy a distinctive auditory feedback during their typing. The click sound not only adds a satisfying element but also serves as confirmation of key presses, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience. Ultimately, the sound character of a switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard design and keycap selection, but you can expect the Gravel to be more subtle while the Green will be more prominent.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its smoothness, providing a refined touch that enhances the overall typing experience. With its medium-light actuation force, the Gravel allows for effortless key presses, making it an appealing choice for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch, as a clicky option, typically features a tactile bump that can give a more engaging and tactile typing experience, although it may not achieve the same level of smoothness as the Gravel. The feedback from the Outemu Green not only brings a different kind of satisfaction but can also be divisive—some may enjoy the tactile nature, while others may find it less comfortable for prolonged use.
In conclusion, the HMX Gravel linear switch stands out for its smooth and quieter operation, making it ideal for those who prioritize a subtle typing experience, while the Outemu Green clicky switch offers an engaging auditory and tactile feedback that will satisfy users looking for that classic clicky experience. Although both switches cater to different preferences, they can serve a similar function in enhancing the mechanical keyboard experience, depending on individual typing style and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios play a crucial role. If you value a lighter typing experience and prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, the HMX Gravel would be an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force means you can type quickly and effortlessly, making it ideal for long writing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and agility are key. Additionally, the Gravel's smooth feel enhances the overall typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more refined, linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Outemu Green might be the better option. With its heavier 80-gram bottom-out force, it provides a more deliberate feel that can help you avoid accidental key presses, making it suitable for those who appreciate the clicky sound and tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for switch characteristics, whether you desire the smooth efficiency of the Gravel or the assertive feedback of the Outemu Green.
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