HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Peach, two notable linear switches, enthusiasts will find distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. This results in a responsive and effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a satisfying tactile sensation while they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out for its feathery light feel and silence; these switches are specifically designed for linear switch enthusiasts who desire a soft, muted typing experience. While both are linear switches, the Gravel offers a slightly more tactile feedback compared to the muted responsiveness of the Peach. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on your desire for smoothness versus a more subdued operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Peach switches, a notable distinction is found in the top housing material. The Gravel utilizes polycarbonate, which enhances the sound profile to be sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Peach employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference arises because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, thereby creating a duller and rounder acoustic experience. If one were to experience the typing sounds of these switches side by side, the Gravel would likely present a more pronounced and vibrant sound, while the Peach would offer a more muted and rounded auditory signature.
Examining the bottom housing, both the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Peach switches share a significant similarity, as both feature nylon material. This uniformity in bottom housing means that users will encounter a similar deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of which switch they choose. Nylon’s inherent sound-absorbing characteristics contribute to a consistent typing experience in terms of overall acoustics, where both switches will similarly diminish high-pitched noises during actuation. This shared design aspect creates a blend where the typing experience focuses on deeper tones, knitting an auditory experience that is cohesive, even with the contrasting top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Peach lead to interesting outcomes for users. While the Gravel's polycarbonate top enhances brightness in sound upon key release, the muted characteristics of the Peach's nylon top make for a more subdued sound profile. However, the commonality in bottom housings means that both switches deliver a comparable foundation of sound and feel during actuation. In essence, a user can achieve different auditory experiences through the combination of top and bottom housing materials: a sharper sound with the Gravel and a fuller, warmer sound with the Peach, all grounded in the consistent impact of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, there are some noteworthy differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Gravel has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Peach is slightly lighter at 40 grams, making the Peach easier to press. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they both feel similar when fully pressed down. This means that while the Gravel offers a somewhat heavier actuation feel, both switches will deliver a comparable experience when it comes to bottoming out. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Peach may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force, while those seeking a bit more resistance might find the HMX Gravel preferable. Overall, both switches provide a relatively light and user-friendly typing experience, but if weight preference is a significant factor, the Outemu Peach takes the lead in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel and Outemu Peach linear switches, it is evident that the Gravel offers a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Peach has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that users who prefer more pronounced key presses and a greater depth in their typing experience may gravitate towards the Gravel switch, as it provides a more sustained interaction. Conversely, those who prioritize quicker response times might prefer the Peach, given its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster key actuations. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 switch is known for its smooth operation, contributing to an overall pleasant auditory experience, though specific details about its sound profile have not been provided. In contrast, the Outemu Peach features a sound profile that can be characterized as neutral and muted. This means that while the Peach's actuation is moderate, it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to typical mechanical keyboard switches. This makes the Peaches particularly suitable for environments where noise reduction is desirable, such as shared workspaces or quiet homes.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switch is highly regarded for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, but again, specific descriptors are lacking. On the other hand, the Peach switch offers a mild, subtle resistance that provides a lighter typing experience without being overly delicate. The feeling of typing on the Peach can be described as polished, indicating a smooth, refined surface that enhances the overall typing experience. This combination makes the Peach switches approachable for various users, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Peach linear switches cater to those who appreciate a smooth and lightweight typing experience. While the Gravel excels in its refined feel, the Peach emphasizes a gentle, muted sound and an approachable typing touch. Ultimately, if you are looking for a delightfully light typing experience with noise reduction, the Peach might be your go-to, while the Gravel would still provide a similarly smooth feel, allowing you to enjoy a comparable typing sensation, albeit with some differences in sound and overall character.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Peach linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the Gravel switches may be the better choice for you. They offer a light actuation and bottom out force, which can enhance responsiveness and comfort during extended typing sessions, making them ideal for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a satisfying feel under their fingers. On the other hand, if you work in a shared space or need a quieter typing experience, the Peach switches will suit you well. Their muted sound profile and lightweight feel offer a gentle and subtle typing experience, perfect for maintaining productivity without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, both switches provide a light typing feel, but your choice should depend on whether you value the sheer smoothness of the Gravel or the soft, quiet touch of the Peach.
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