HMX Gravel vs. KTT Purple Star

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and KTT Purple Star both offer exceptional performance, yet cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive experience while still maintaining a satisfying tactile response. Ideal for those who appreciate a balance between lightness and feedback, the Gravel proves to be a standout choice among enthusiasts. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches shine with their all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience characterized by a notably low sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star switches are perfect for light typists seeking comfort and ease in their keystrokes. Both switches have their unique appeal, making the choice largely dependent on personal typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

KTT Purple Star Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.88 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the KTT Purple Star, one can observe notable differences and similarities that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that enhances the clarity of the sound, making it particularly effective for users who prefer a more resonant audio profile. Additionally, its translucency makes the Gravel's top housing suitable for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to pass through efficiently, creating vibrant lighting options. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, which has a unique characteristic of generating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While POM may not be as clear as polycarbonate, it’s well-regarded for delivering a pleasing auditory experience that is favored among many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Examining the bottom housings reveals similarities that contribute to the sound experience of both switches. The HMX Gravel employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and deliver a rounder tone. In comparison, the KTT Purple Star features a POM bottom housing, which, while also producing a muted yet rich audio experience, creates sound profiles that lean toward being unique and pleasing. This similarity in sound characteristics suggests that even though the materials for the top and bottom housings differ, both switches are likely to yield a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing tends to influence the sound and feel when bottoming out, leading to noticeable yet complementary differences in user experience.

Overall, both the HMX Gravel and the KTT Purple Star exemplify how different housing materials can drastically shape the auditory experience, while also maintaining certain shared sonic properties. The unique contributions of polycarbonate and POM in the top housings lead to distinct sound profiles, whereas the choice of nylon and POM in the bottom housings ensures a cohesive sound signature that leans into deeper tones. Users can expect distinct auditory experiences when each switch is engaged, yet both switches demonstrate the ability to provide an engaging typing experience through their thoughtful material selections, making them appealing choices for various preferences in keyboard acoustics.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Purple Star features a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams, although it shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams as the Gravel. This results in the Gravel being the heavier option in terms of actuation force, although both switches ultimately provide a similar bottoming out experience. Users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the KTT Purple Star due to its lower actuation force, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel may opt for the HMX Gravel. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in actuation feel versus a more uniform bottom out experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them identical in this regard. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, as both exhibit the same distance from the top to the bottom of the keypress. Consequently, if you're looking for consistent key feedback and response, both switches will deliver comparable results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel and KTT Purple Star linear switches, distinct differences arise. The Gravel switch does not have a specified sound descriptor, leaving its acoustic character somewhat ambiguous. Conversely, the Purple Star switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound, which is typically described as bass-heavy and mellow. This makes the Purple Star switches likely to offer a more subdued auditory experience, promoting a calming typing atmosphere. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by other factors, including the keyboard's build and keycap selection.

In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch provides an exceptional smoothness that is a highlight for those seeking a refined typing experience. This switch features a medium-light actuation force, which leans towards the lighter side, allowing for a responsive and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches are described as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience. With their very light 45g bottom-out force, these switches ensure that minimal effort is required for actuation, leading to reduced finger fatigue and a comfortable experience during long typing sessions. Overall, both switches are tailored for user comfort but cater to slightly different preferences regarding resistance and feedback.

In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer distinct yet appealing qualities. While the Gravel emphasizes smoothness with responsive action, the Purple Star excels in its low-pitched sound and gentle resistance, making it an excellent choice for light typists. If you are looking for an effortless typing experience, either switch can fulfill that need, with subtle variances in sound and feel tailored to different preferences. Whether you choose the Gravel or the Purple Star, you can be assured of a satisfying typing experience, albeit with unique characteristics that may sway your decision based on personal taste.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel and the KTT Purple Star linear switches, your choice largely hinges on your typing preferences and use case. If you value an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience and prefer a slightly more tactile feel, the Gravel switches might be the right option for you. They provide a responsive and effortless typing experience, making them ideal for those who type extensively or want a switch that feels satisfying under your fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with a gentle touch and low-pitched sound, the Purple Star switches would be a better fit. Their very light actuation force caters to light typists and those who desire a comfortable, less physically demanding typing experience. In summary, consider how much feedback and resistance you want in your typing experience and how much sound and smoothness matter to you, as both switches cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.88 per 10

Learn more