HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Silent Green each present unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making them an attractive option for enthusiasts who prioritize a responsive and effortless experience. With a medium-light actuation force favoring a lighter touch, these switches cater to those seeking swift keystrokes without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green switches, also linear, stand out for their quiet operation, making them ideal for users who want a serene typing experience—perfect for busy offices or shared spaces. While both switch types offer linear characteristics that prioritize smooth key presses, the choice ultimately depends on whether you value a more tactile, fluid feel or the tranquility of silent operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Silent Green switches, there are notable similarities and differences that affect their sound profiles and overall performance. Both the Gravel and Silent Green utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which ensures a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly when the keys are pressed. Due to polycarbonate's inherent characteristics as a stiffer plastic, it enhances the crispness and clarity of the sound profile significantly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, as it allows for improved light diffusion, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches present a stark difference in material choice, which significantly influences their acoustic responses. The HMX Gravel employs nylon for its bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic creates a rounder and more muted sound when the switch bottoms out. Conversely, the Silent Green opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sound characteristics of its top housing and reinforcing the sharper, crisper sound profile throughout the entire keypress. The dual use of polycarbonate in the Silent Green establishes a consistent sound signature, while the Gravel's combination of nylon and polycarbonate results in a more textured auditory experience.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials between the Gravel and Silent Green switches yield unique sound profiles despite the similarities in their top housings. The Gravel's nylon bottom produces a fuller sound that is underscored by a rich resonance, while the uniform polycarbonate material in the Silent Green maintains a consistent, bright sound from top to bottom. Those seeking a deeper and more rounded typing experience may prefer the Gravel, while individuals who enjoy a consistently sharp and crisp auditory feedback will likely favor the Outemu Silent Green. Regardless, both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing to create a foundation for brightness and clarity in sound, catering to diverse user preferences.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in that aspect, which benefits users who prefer prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the comparison diverges when examining their bottom out forces; the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Green has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, the Silent Green will provide a heavier feel at full depression, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer stronger feedback. In summary, the Gravel switch is lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force, making it a better choice for users seeking comfort, whereas the Silent Green caters to those who enjoy a heavier feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Gravel boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that users of the Gravel may experience a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green, with its 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more traditional and deeper keystroke, which some users prefer for its tactile richness. Therefore, if you're looking for something that enhances efficiency and speed, the Gravel would be the better choice, while the Silent Green might cater to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress experience.
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 Silent 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 is designed to deliver a smooth and muted typing experience, allowing for a quieter environment which can be ideal for office settings or late-night gaming sessions. However, specific details about its sound profile are not provided. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch aims at reducing sound produced during typing, promoting a quieter performance overall. Both switches promise a more discreet experience compared to tactile or clicky alternatives, but without detailed specifications, it’s hard to make a direct comparison.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch excels with its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience. This smooth typing feel is likely favored by those who enjoy long typing sessions without tiring. Conversely, the subjective qualities of the Silent Green in terms of feel are unspecified, leaving its tactile feedback characteristics unknown. Hence, while the Gravel offers a well-defined performance expectation, we cannot ascertain how the Silent Green compares in feel without additional information.
In conclusion, the HMX Gravel linear switch stands out with its refined smoothness and lighter actuation, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a pleasant typing experience. The sound profile leans towards quieter operation, which both switches aim to achieve, but details on the Silent Green remain absent. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel, the Gravel certainly checks those boxes, while the Silent Green may offer a similar level of quiet operation, though its exact feel remains uncertain.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a lighter actuation force and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the HMX Gravel is the way to go. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a responsive feel that is well-suited for long typing sessions, especially if you're looking to enhance your speed and comfort. This makes it a fantastic choice for both casual users and enthusiasts who appreciate a refined tactile experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly sturdier switch with more resistance, the Outemu Silent Green, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, is ideal. Although the specific sound profile and feel details are not highlighted, the Silent Green is designed to offer a quieter typing experience while maintaining solid feedback, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared workspaces. Thus, consider your typing style, the desired level of resistance, and your working environment when making your choice between these two switches.
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