HMX Gravel vs. KTT Pine

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the distinctive characteristics offered by different brands and types. The HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, embodying a medium-light actuation force that delivers a responsive and effortless experience ideal for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch boasts a medium-heavy actuation force and a buttery smoothness that many users appreciate, thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. While the Gravel excels in providing a light and airy typing experience, the Pine offers a more substantial tactile sensation, making it a favorite for those who prefer a bit more resistance under their fingers. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the mechanical keyboard space. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Gravel and KTT Pine switches exhibit notable parallels, particularly in terms of their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a choice that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both products. The relative stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is pressed. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent medium for RGB lighting, ensuring that both switches can effectively display colorful lighting effects. Consequently, users can expect a similar aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance from the top housings of both the Gravel and Pine switches.

In contrast, the bottom housings provide a distinctly different sound profile for each switch. The Gravel employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material historically known for its softer characteristics. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, generating a deeper and fuller acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which means that it mirrors the clarity and sharpness of its top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing results in a sound that is more resonant and crisp, lacking the softer tones produced by nylon. This divergence indicates that while both switches might perform similarly in terms of aesthetics and the upper sound profile, their bottom-end acoustics will be quite different.

Overall, the interplay of materials in these switches profoundly affects their sound profiles. For the HMX Gravel, the soft nylon bottom housing balances out the clear and bright tones of the polycarbonate top housing, creating a rounded acoustic experience. Conversely, the KTT Pine offers a more uniform sound profile with the use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Users who prioritize a rich, fuller sound may lean towards the Gravel, while those who prefer a brighter and more resonant typing experience may favor the Pine. Even though both switches share a similar top housing material, their bottom housing choices lead to differentiated auditory outcomes that cater to distinct user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar light touch when triggering a keystroke on either switch. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Gravel's bottom out at 50 grams, making it lighter overall, while the Pine's bottom out force is notably higher at 58 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully depressed. This difference in bottom out force may lead to a heavier feel in typing with the Pine, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Consequently, the Gravel is lighter and may be preferable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Pine’s heavier characteristics cater to those who enjoy a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Pine features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.5 mm difference can impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Those who favor a quicker response and a more immediate tactile experience might prefer the Gravel, as its shorter travel distance aligns with the preferences of many gamers today. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more substantial depth with each keystroke may find the Pine's 4 mm travel distance more appealing, as it provides a more pronounced feedback during typing. Therefore, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences for keystroke feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switches are notable for their deep, rich tones, characterized by a bassy and low-pitched profile. This type of sound tends to provide a pleasant auditory experience during typing, resonating with the depth associated with bass frequencies. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the HMX Gravel switches is currently unknown. However, given the general characteristics of linear switches, it can be anticipated that the Gravel might offer a less pronounced sound than the bass-heavy Pine, leading to a quieter typing experience overall, depending on the board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the KTT Pine switches shine with their buttery smooth tactile quality, attributed to a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction during key travel. This results in a fluid and effortless typing sensation, akin to gliding over the keys without any hindrance. The Pine switches have a creamy quality too, providing a silky smooth experience that enhances the overall typing comfort. The HMX Gravel, while its exact feel is not detailed, is highlighted for its exceptional smoothness and medium-light actuation force, which suggests a responsive, lightweight touch. Thus, while both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, the Gravel may be more responsive compared to the denser, heavier sensation of the Pine.

In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy feel that contributes to its reputation among typists seeking smoothness and depth. The HMX Gravel provides a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force, although its sound characteristics remain unspecified. Overall, while both switches cater to those who appreciate linear designs, the differences in sound and feel may guide your choice depending on your personal preferences for auditory feedback and typing sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. If you lean towards a lighter bottom-out force and prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Gravel switch might be the better option for you. Its refined feel is perfect for extended typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a fast-paced and smooth keystroke without the tactile bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, coupled with a rich, bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine switch could be your ideal match. The buttery, creamy sensation of these switches offers a satisfying typing experience that many gamers and typists alike may find appealing. Ultimately, think about your typing habits, the weight you prefer in your switches, and the acoustic atmosphere you wish to create—those factors will guide you in deciding between these two smooth yet distinct linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more