HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is revered for its exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel. With a medium-light actuation force, it provides an effortless and responsive experience, making it an ideal choice for fast typists and gamers who appreciate a fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey, categorized as a tactile switch, delivers a satisfying typing experience through its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke while prioritizing discretion with its quieter operation. This makes it an excellent option for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued sound while typing. Both switches cater to different typing preferences: the Gravel for speed and smoothness and the Silent Grey for tactile feedback and quietness. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Silent Grey utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to similar auditory characteristics in terms of sound profile. This material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which stems from its stiffness that aids in resonance. When RGB lighting is involved, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion, creating a visually appealing effect that enhances the experience for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality. The shared property of polycarbonate in the top housings of both switches means that users can expect a consistent performance in sound clarity and brightness when using either option.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, a classic and widely respected material in the mechanical keyboard community. The properties of nylon create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This contrasts beautifully with the polycarbonate top, where the nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, the tactile feedback during typing is influenced primarily by the nylon bottom housing, which will give both the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Silent Grey a satisfying bottom-out sound while retaining the crisp release characteristic contributed by the polycarbonate top.
Combining these materials, both the Gravel and Silent Grey switches deliver a unique dual texture in sound—while both will possess similar clarity from the polycarbonate top, they will also exhibit a deeper, warmer quality from the nylon bottom. This pairing results in a nuanced sound environment where users can enjoy the best of both worlds: the clarity of the higher notes when releasing a key and the richness of lower tones at bottoming out. Whether opting for Gravel or Silent Grey, users are assured an interplay of auditory qualities that brings a well-rounded experience to typing and gaming scenarios alike.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons without causing excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey boasts a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This medium-heavy resistance can provide a more tactile feel, which some typists find more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique advantages, the Gravel is the lighter option, making it more ideal for those seeking comfort over prolonged use, while the Silent Grey caters to those who enjoy a firmer key press.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gravel. For users seeking quicker responses, the Gravel's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation, aligning well with preferences common among gamers who value agility in their keystrokes. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced and deeper keystroke may prefer the Silent Grey, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. In summary, the Gravel is the shorter option, while the Silent Grey offers a more substantial feel.
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 Grey 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switches are known for their relatively quiet operation, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches, while also designed for quieter typing, produce a subtle sound associated with tactile feedback. The pronounced bump in the Silent Grey switch might generate a distinct acoustic signature during typing, but it is engineered to minimize noise overall. It's important to remember that the sound profile of both switches can be influenced by the specific keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switches shine with their exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that delivers a highly responsive typing experience. Users will enjoy a fluid keystroke, making extended typing sessions feel effortless. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a tactile feel that includes a discernible bump during actuation. This tactile feedback is satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced sense of key engagement while still enjoying a smooth keystroke. The contrast between the linear feel of the Gravel and the textured feel of the Silent Grey caters to different typing preferences, appealing to various enthusiasts.
In conclusion, if you're deciding between the HMX Gravel linear and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches, you'll experience distinct differences in both sound and feel. The Gravel is designed for smooth and quiet typing, promoting speed and agility, while the Silent Grey offers a tactile bump for feedback without excessive noise. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear experience or prefer the satisfaction of tactile feedback. Regardless of your preference, both switches cater to specific needs within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel linear switches and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, especially for extensive typing sessions or gaming, the HMX Gravel switches are an excellent choice due to their lighter actuation force of 50 grams and unparalleled smoothness. You'll appreciate the quick responsiveness without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback and value quiet operation—perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night typing—the Outemu Silent Grey switches, with their medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, will give you that pronounced bump and satisfying tactile response without the loud click. The Silent Grey's design makes it ideal for those who enjoy tactile switches but need a quieter solution. Ultimately, consider your environment and use case; choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience.
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