HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often debate between the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Milk Blue, each offering unique advantages suited to different preferences. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel. Featuring a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, it provides a responsive and effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and a seamless keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that delivers a distinct auditory feedback with every press, appealing to typists who enjoy a tactile response and the satisfaction of audible clicks. While the Gravel may attract those looking for a quieter, smoother typing style, the Milk Blue caters to users who thrive on the pronounced sound and perception of each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Outemu Milk Blue both utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which provides them with distinct sound characteristics. The polycarbonate material is noted for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances clarity and resonance when typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, giving users an aesthetically pleasing experience that is often sought after in customizable keyboards. Thus, users can expect both switches to deliver similar auditory experiences when engaged with, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality and visual effects.

Conversely, the bottom housing of both switches is crafted from nylon, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which contrasts sharply with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top. When typing on either the Gravel or Milk Blue, the deeper sound from the nylon bottom housing notably shapes the bottom-out sound—the point at which the key is fully pressed down. This combination of housing materials ensures that while both switches share certain sound qualities, they also deliver a balanced auditory experience through their differing impacts on the overall sound profile.

In summary, while the HMX Gravel and Outemu Milk Blue switches share a common polycarbonate top housing that lends to their higher-pitched sound characteristics, their nylon bottoms contribute to a rich and full sound. The interaction of these materials ensures that each switch provides a unique typing experience. By maintaining a consistent material for the top housing while employing a classic bottom housing material, both switches facilitate a specialized auditory profile that is both engaging and fitting within the broader market of mechanical keyboards. Consequently, users can anticipate similar results in terms of sound quality, but with nuanced differences that may cater to individual preferences in typing feel and acoustic response.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Gravel switch has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its lighter weight. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch exhibits a higher actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting a stiffer feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue switch is unavailable, which prevents a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, the Gravel switch can be categorized as the lighter option, favoring comfort and prolonged use, while the Milk Blue switch's heavier actuation force might be preferred by users who enjoy a firmer tactile engagement with each keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Blue measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for users who prioritize quick key presses, such as gamers. In contrast, the Milk Blue’s longer 4.0 mm travel provides a more pronounced sensation, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience when typing. While both switches offer distinct performance characteristics, if you value a quicker response and more immediate feedback, the HMX Gravel would likely suit you better. Conversely, if you favor a more traditional and hearty depth, the Outemu Milk Blue would be a preferable choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch tends to lean towards a quieter operation due to its smooth, linear action, offering a soft, subdued noise that is less distracting in shared workspaces. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch provides a noticeably louder and more pronounced auditory feedback, characterized by the distinct click sound with each keystroke, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy an audible confirmation of their typing. However, it is essential to consider that both switches' sound profiles can be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap materials, meaning that the final sound result may vary based on individual setups.

In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force, allowing for a responsive typing experience that feels effortless and gratifying. Users can expect a pleasant typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue throughout long typing sessions. Conversely, the Milk Blue switch, being a clicky switch, typically features a tactile bump along with a heavier actuation force, which can provide a sense of mechanical feedback that some typists find satisfying. This difference in feel caters to distinct preferences, with the Gravel switch appealing to those who value a fluid typing motion, while the Milk Blue attracts users who enjoy a more tactile response with every keypress.

Considering the overall qualities of both switches, the HMX Gravel presents an excellent choice for anyone seeking a smooth, linear feel with low sound levels, ideal for both gaming and typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Blue switch offers a vibrant auditory experience paired with tactile feedback, making it suitable for typists who thrive on hearing their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference for sound and feel; those with a penchant for a quieter, smoother experience will gravitate toward the Gravel, while those who appreciate a clicky sensation will favor the Milk Blue. Both switches offer unique qualities that, when matched with the right keyboard setup, can deliver satisfying typing experiences tailored to your individual needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, your preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role. If you favor a smooth and seamless typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice. These switches are particularly suited for users who type frequently, as they allow for faster actuation and are less tiring on the fingers over long periods. On the other hand, if you enjoy auditory feedback and the satisfying click of a traditional mechanical switch, the Outemu Milk Blue would be the right pick. The tactile and pronounced sounds the Milk Blue switches produce can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who appreciate the rhythmic aspect of typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience or if you thrive on the satisfying feedback and sound that comes with clicky switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more