HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Red both provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prioritize a responsive and effortless typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, it strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch, while not as widely discussed in terms of standout features, offers a reliable linear experience that many find appealing for both gaming and typing. It provides a consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, which can be advantageous for users seeking a quieter and uninterrupted workflow. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Outemu Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Red switches, it is evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material contributes to a sound profile that is characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper qualities. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the auditory experience when using these switches, making them especially appealing for typists and gamers who value sound feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an effective showcase of RGB lighting, adding a visually engaging aspect to both switch designs. Therefore, users can expect similarly vibrant aesthetic results when using RGB lighting with either switch.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gravel and the Red are both made from nylon, a material known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer properties, which tend to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, when pressing keys on either switch, typists will experience a more rounded and duller sound, differing from the sharper tones produced by their polycarbonate tops. This dynamic creates a unique interaction between the materials, with the nylon bottom largely affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both switches results in a harmonious blend of sound and tactile feedback. While the top housing delivers a resonant, bright sound upon release, the bottom housing tempers this with a fuller, subdued response when the key is pressed down. Thus, although there are noticeable differences in how the materials contribute to the overall sound and feel, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Red switches can achieve comparable performances through their thoughtfully chosen housing materials. Users will be able to enjoy a balanced auditory experience that caters to both clarity and warmth with either switch configuration.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience for different preferences. The Gravel switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a significantly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Overall, the Gravel switch is lighter, making it favored for comfort during long use, whereas the Outemu Red offers a heavier feel suitable for users who appreciate a firmer push.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red measures 4 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that gamers might favor for quicker reactions. On the other hand, the Red's longer travel distance of 4 mm offers a more traditional typing experience, which some users might prefer for its comforting depth. As such, if you're looking for faster response times, the Gravel would be the ideal choice, whereas those seeking a more tactile feel may gravitate towards the Red. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance and its impact on typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth operation, producing a sound profile that is typically quiet and unobtrusive, making it suitable for both quiet environments and collaborative workspaces. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Gravel are not detailed, leaving its exact auditory qualities somewhat unknown. Similarly, the Outemu Red linear switch is also characterized by a muted sound profile, which is common among linear switches. This means that both switches offer a relatively silent typing experience, but without concrete data on the Gravel, it’s challenging to draw a direct comparison between their sound.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch is distinguished by its medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless typing experience, resulting in a smooth and refined sensation with each keystroke. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions where users might seek comfort and a lack of fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch, while lacking detailed descriptions, typically offers a similar linear feel to most users. Given that both switches fall under the linear category and the Gravel’s known attributes, one can expect the Outemu Red to provide a comparable smoothness in keystrokes, although individual experiences may vary.

Overall, both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Red linear switches cater to individuals seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. The Gravel offers a more defined and refined sensation thanks to its actuation force, while the Red provides a similar experience in terms of sound profile. For those new to mechanical keyboards, selecting either switch would likely lead to a pleasant typing experience; however, the Gravel might be the preferred option for those who prioritize a buttery smooth feel. With both switches facilitating quick and silent typing, newcomers can feel confident in choosing either based on personal preference for the specific nuances in feel and sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, more refined typing experience, the Gravel is likely the better fit, giving you a responsive feel with its lower actuation force of 50 grams. This makes it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or if you find yourself frequently gaming, as the effortless key presses can contribute to a more enjoyable and engaging experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance while typing and want a switch that feels substantial under your fingers, the Outemu Red with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams could be your ideal option. Although it lacks the standout reputation of the Gravel, the Red still offers a solid performance for those who prefer a firmer key feel. In considering the sound and tactile feedback, if noise sensitivity is a concern for you, you may want to choose based on those aspects too, although both switches tend to be relatively quiet. In the end, listen to your fingers and your typing habits, and choose the switch that aligns best with your comfort and performance needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more