HMX Gravel vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Durock Piano stand out as excellent linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that leans towards a lighter side, resulting in a responsive and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano distinguishes itself with a proprietary material blend that provides an incredibly pleasant gliding push feel and a rich, deep sound signature, often described as creamy and bassy. While the Gravel appeals to those seeking a more refined and agile typing experience, the Piano entices with its luxurious tactile sensation and auditory feedback. Both switches bring distinct advantages to the table, but 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and Durock Piano utilize distinct materials in their top housings, which leads to notable differences in their sound profiles. The Gravel's polycarbonate top is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, contributing to a more resonant and clear auditory experience. This is enhanced by its translucent nature, making it an ideal choice for RGB setups as it allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which is less documented but noted for delivering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both housings serve the purpose of enhancing sound quality, the Gravel leans toward a crisper sound while the Piano offers a deeper resonance, indicating that users seeking specific auditory characteristics may prefer one over the other.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for the Gravel and a proprietary POM blend for the Piano. The Gravel's nylon bottom housing is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller, deeper sound profile that creates a softer and rounder typing experience. This contrasts with the Durock Piano’s POM blend bottom housing, which, while also promoting a satisfying depth, may possess different tonal qualities depending on its formulation. The choice of materials in the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, which means that despite using different plastics, both switches aim to deliver a robust sound experience, albeit through varying means.
In summary, while the HMX Gravel and Durock Piano feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, they ultimately serve similar purposes within the switch design. The Gravel's polycarbonate top is focused on achieving clarity and brightness in sound, while the Piano's POM blend is tailored for a richer acoustic experience. On the other hand, both switches utilize softer materials in their bottom housings, which promotes a deeper sound profile. If one were to combine the best features of both switches, similar results could potentially be achieved by leveraging their respective characteristics to fine-tune the overall auditory experience, catering to users' preferences for sound depth or clarity.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, notable differences arise that cater to distinct preferences. The Gravel switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged use, such as during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, but its actuation force is unknown. This implies that while the Piano switch may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down, we cannot directly compare its actuation force to that of the Gravel. As a result, the Gravel switch emerges as the lighter option, appealing to those who prioritize ease of use, whereas the Piano switch likely caters to users who prefer a firmer response, enhancing their typing experience. Ultimately, these differences highlight the importance of selecting the right switch based on personal preference for weight and actuation feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can enhance performance, particularly for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Piano's longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke. If you're in search of a switch that balances responsiveness with a traditional feel, the Durock Piano could be a better fit. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference: the Gravel is ideal for those seeking a faster response, while the Piano caters to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch does not have a specified characteristic, which means its sound profile may vary based on the keyboard build and the materials used. However, Durock Piano switches are noted for their deep, creamy sound signature, enhanced by a bassy quality that gives them a richer sound profile during key presses. This bassiness contributes to a pleasant auditory experience, producing deeper tones that make typing feel immersive and satisfying. The sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycap choice, suggesting that users looking for a specific soundscape should experiment with their setups.
When it comes to feel, the Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, which is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke. While the specific tactile feedback is not mentioned, its medium-light actuation force suggests a balance between responsiveness and comfort. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches boast a frictionless and silky typing feel, creating an almost effortless experience devoid of resistance. This smoothness, combined with the lighter push sensation, makes these switches a joy for prolonged typing sessions, promoting a feeling of fluidity that many typists find desirable.
Overall, both the HMX Gravel and Durock Piano switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gravel switch excels in delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience, whereas the Piano switch stands out for its creamy sound and effortlessly smooth keystrokes. If you're seeking a refined typing experience, both switches can potentially offer satisfying results, even if they differ in their explicit auditory and tactile characteristics. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you lean towards a lighter switch that offers a refined and responsive typing feel, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force ensures that you can type effortlessly, making it particularly appealing if you plan to engage in long typing sessions or require a swift response for gaming. The Gravel's exceptional smoothness and light actuation can enhance your overall comfort while typing, which is ideal for those who prioritize a gentle touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial, robust feel with a uniquely satisfying sound profile, the Durock Piano may be the way to go. With a heavier 63.5-gram bottom-out force and a deep, bassy sound signature, these switches provide a more immersive experience for those who appreciate distinct auditory feedback along with a frictionless and silky smooth touch. The Piano's material blend also contributes to a creamy sound that many find delightful, making them suitable for users who enjoy a richer auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value more in a switch: the lightness and comfort of the HMX Gravel or the heavier, more textured feel of the Durock Piano.
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