HMX Gravel vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options that can significantly impact their typing experience. The HMX Gravel and HMX Perky are two linear switches that cater to varying user preferences while sharing certain attributes. The Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, designed with a medium-light actuation force that leans toward the lighter side, allowing for a responsive and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch stands out with its softer nylon housings, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing sensation, along with a more condensed experience due to its shorter travel distance. While one may prefer the Gravel for its smooth operation and ease of use, others might choose the Perky for its softer touch and unique profile. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and HMX Perky switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those seeking visual appeal along with auditory clarity. In contrast, the Perky's top housing is made of nylon, a classic switch material that provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, leading to a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the Gravel and Perky differentiate themselves in their top housing materials, creating diverse auditory experiences.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Gravel and Perky utilize nylon, ensuring that their bottom-out sound and feel maintain a similar quality. Nylon's properties, as a relatively softer plastic, contribute to a more subdued and richer sound, regardless of other housing differences. This shared material for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will produce a rounded auditory experience when typing. Since the bottom housing plays a significant role in how it feels when the key is pressed down, users can expect a consistent and satisfying keyboard experience from both switch types, grounded in nylon's inherent sound-absorbing characteristics.
Ultimately, the divergence in top housing material leads to different sound signatures between the Gravel and Perky switches, allowing users to choose based on their sound preference. While the Gravel's polycarbonate top produces a clear and resonant tone, the Perky's nylon top yields a deeper and more muted sound. Nevertheless, since both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, users will still get similar tactile feedback and bottom-out sound regardless of their choice. This blend of housing materials provides options for keyboard enthusiasts who value either the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon, all while ensuring a consistent bottom housing experience across both models.
Weight
The HMX Gravel and HMX Perky linear switches exhibit comparable characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making both suitable for users who prefer lighter switches. The Gravel has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Perky slightly edges out with a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, though both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that for those who prioritize typing comfort during extended sessions, either switch would offer a comparable experience due to their lightweight design. However, the Gravel's greater actuation force provides a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Perky, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of resistance when typing. Overall, while both switches are light, the Perky is the lighter option, making it potentially more favorable for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel and HMX Perky linear switches, the Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This places the Gravel as the switch with the longer travel distance, providing users with a more pronounced key press feeling compared to the Perky. For gamers or those who favor quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Perky can offer a more immediate feedback, which can be advantageous in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, users who prefer a deeper, fuller keystroke may find the Gravel more satisfying as it offers that extra 0.1 mm of travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness in key presses.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 produces a subtle and pleasant acoustic profile that is characterized as soft and unobtrusive, making it suitable for both quiet environments and casual gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch is known for its slightly different auditory experience, which is often described as slightly softer but also contains a unique glittery quality contributed by its nylon housing. Both switches offer a generally muted sound when compared to tactile or clicky alternatives; however, the specific sound signature can still vary based on the board and keycap choice you pair them with.
In regard to feel, the HMX Gravel switch excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. It is engineered with a medium-light actuation force that promotes effortless keystrokes, allowing for a responsive feel ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch emphasizes a more neutral tactile experience, buoyed by its shorter travel distance. This design leads to a deeply satisfying and somewhat condensed typing experience, making it feel quick and snappy while still maintaining comfort.
Overall, both the HMX Gravel and HMX Perky linear switches offer distinct advantages suited to different preferences. The Gravel’s smoothness and lighter actuation force cater to those seeking a relaxed yet efficient typing experience, while the Perky’s softer, glittery housing and shorter travel distance provide a quick and satisfying touch. Though they differ in feel and sound characteristics, users can expect a generally pleasant experience with either switch due to their linear nature, appealing to a wide range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel and the HMX Perky linear switches, consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize smoothness and a refined typing feel, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice, offering a lightweight actuation force that fosters a fluid and responsive experience. This makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are essential. On the other hand, if you desire a more condensed typing experience with a unique touch, the HMX Perky provides a deeply satisfying feel and a shorter travel distance that can enhance your typing efficiency. The softer nylon housings also contribute to a pleasant tactile experience, making the Perky switches suitable for those who enjoy a more neutral sound and feel in their typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for smoothness versus a condensed typing style, ensuring you find the switch that best suits your unique needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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