HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preference and typing style, especially when comparing the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Purple. The HMX Gravel switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, designed to provide a responsive and effortless experience with a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers seeking fast, uninterrupted key presses and for typists who crave a smooth linear feedback without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is a tactile switch that offers a more pronounced feedback with a noticeable bump upon actuation, making it ideal for users who appreciate the tactile response and auditory feedback typical of traditional typing, enhancing typing accuracy and comfort. While both switches have their merits—one prioritizing smoothness and the other tactile feedback—your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Purple switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to similar acoustic characteristics and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profiles when typing. As both switches feature this material, users can expect a bright and resonant auditory experience enhanced further by the use of RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate effectively diffuses light. This shared material choice means that users of either switch can anticipate a highly satisfying tactile and auditory feedback during their typing experience, bolstered by the visual effects of backlighting.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a contrasting sound profile to the overall experience. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials like polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as the nylon dampens vibrations and provides a rounder auditory signature. Since both the Gravel and Purple switches rely on nylon for their bottom housings, users will experience this plush acoustic quality regardless of which switch they choose. The combination of materials thus results in a harmonious balance of sound characteristics across both models.
Overall, the pairing of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings in both switch models creates a unique and multifaceted typing experience. The clarity from the polycarbonate tops complements the richness from the nylon bottoms, offering a well-rounded auditory output. Although both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Purple switches incorporate identical materials, their combined effects cater to different preferences, allowing typists to enjoy both the crispness of the upper frequencies and the warmth of the lower frequencies. Therefore, users can confidently choose either switch, knowing they will achieve a similar yet distinct typing experience shaped by the interplay of these carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, their actuation forces differ, with the Gravel requiring a lighter force of 45 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. This difference makes the Gravel more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended use. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Purple switch may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, creating a satisfying resistance when pressed. However, while the Gravel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Purple is unknown, which prevents a full comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Gravel is the lighter option between the two, making it ideal for users seeking comfort during long periods of typing or gaming, while the Purple may satisfy those who appreciate a firmer key feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Purple switch, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Purple switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing keys. As such, those who enjoy the tactile feedback and deeper actuation associated with longer distances might lean toward the Outemu Purple, while those seeking speed might opt for the HMX Gravel.
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 Purple 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 is typically characterized by a muted and subtle audio profile, which contributes to a quieter typing experience. This is particularly beneficial for environments where noise levels matter, allowing for focused typing without disturbing others. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch, while also relatively quiet, tends to produce a more noticeable sound upon actuation due to its tactile bump and design. This characteristic makes it suitable for those who enjoy an auditory cue with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience for some users. However, it's essential to recognize that the overall sound output will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel linear switch is renowned for its smoothness, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. This smooth typing experience, combined with a medium-light actuation force, allows for rapid and comfortable typing sessions without finger fatigue. Meanwhile, the Outemu Purple tactile switch emphasizes a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each press. This tactile feedback can be more engaging for typists who prefer a more interactive experience, helping users to feel when a key has been actuated. The difference in feel between these switches caters to different typing preferences—smooth linear versus tactile feedback.
In summary, both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch offer unique qualities that appeal to different typists. The Gravel excels with its smooth and refined typing experience, ideal for those seeking a quiet and responsive switch, while the Purple provides tactile feedback for users who enjoy hearing and feeling the actuation point. Depending on the typing style and personal preference, either switch could be suitable, but each will deliver distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, your decision should be guided by your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a smooth and lightweight typing experience that facilitates quick and fluid keystrokes, the Gravel switch is an excellent choice due to its 50-gram actuation force and exceptional smoothness. It is ideal if you engage in extensive typing or gaming sessions where a responsive feel can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback with every keystroke and enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, the Outemu Purple is likely a better fit for you. While the specifics regarding its actuation force and sound profile are unavailable, tactile switches typically provide satisfying bumps that can aid in typing accuracy and comfort. Therefore, assess your typing habits: opt for the HMX Gravel for a silky linear experience, or reach for the Outemu Purple for tactile engagement and feedback during your keyboard use.
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