HMX Gravel vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options for enthusiasts are the HMX Gravel and the Akko Rosewood, both linear switches designed to provide smooth typing experiences. The HMX Gravel stands out for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that leans toward the lighter side. This makes it a compelling choice for those who prioritize a responsive and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood excels in producing a deeper, thocky sound that appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback with their typing; the factory-applied lubricant enhances its smoothness right out of the box. While the Gravel's responsive characteristics cater primarily to speed and fluidity, the Rosewood is favored for its rich acoustic profile. Each switch has unique advantages, making them appealing for different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and Akko Rosewood switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, influencing their respective sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound. This stiffer material allows for a crisper auditory experience, especially accentuated when RGB lighting is utilized, given polycarbonate's translucency. On the other hand, the Rosewood opts for a nylon top housing, a more traditional choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a mellower and rounder auditory outcome. Thus, while the Gravel is designed for clarity and brightness, the Rosewood focuses on warmth and depth, showcasing how material choice directly influences acoustic properties.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the HMX Gravel and Akko Rosewood employ nylon, which creates a consistent auditory experience between the two switches at this level. The shared nylon material ensures both offer a deeper sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This commonality provides a sense of uniformity in the switches' bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of the differentiation in their top housings. As a result, while the Rosewood captures mellow tones on the release, the Gravel maintains some clarity on the bottom-out, presenting an intriguing balance of auditory outcomes based on different materials used in their top housing.
In summary, while the Gravel and Rosewood switches differ notably in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—the similar nylon bottom housing ensures a harmonious foundation for both. The acoustic effects of each switch can be attributed to the combination of these materials: while the top housing contributes to the overall sound quality during keystrokes, the bottom housing enhances the feedback as each key is pressed. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct typing experiences, with the Gravel leaning towards brightness and the Rosewood favoring a warm, rounded sound, yet they share a foundational depth thanks to their nylon bottom housings. This duality allows for a unique exploration of contrast and similarity in mechanical key switch design.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making the Rosewood the preferred option for those seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same force to bottom out when pressed fully. This consistency in bottom out force means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users will experience a similar resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Therefore, while the Rosewood provides a lighter actuation feeling, both switches will deliver a comparable experience when it comes to bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find a noticeable difference. The Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Rosewood has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This distinction can affect user experience significantly; the Gravel's shorter travel is likely to provide quicker response times, appealing to those who prioritize speed, particularly gamers. In contrast, the Rosewood's longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced and satisfying tactile experience, which is preferred by users who appreciate heartier feedback when typing or gaming. Therefore, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 switch is not specifically characterized in the provided information, leaving its auditory profile open to interpretation. However, the Akko Rosewood switch is noted for producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that contributes to its acoustic performance. This distinction suggests that users looking for a pronounced auditory experience may prefer the Rosewood switches, while the Gravel may offer a more subtle or undefined sound profile, potentially depending on the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the HMX Gravel switch stands out with its exceptional smoothness and a refined typing experience. It features a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, providing a responsive and effortless typing feel that is appealing to many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch’s tactile feel is not explicitly detailed in the information provided, which leaves that aspect open. However, given the nature of linear switches, one could expect the Rosewood to also deliver a smooth typing experience similar to that of the Gravel, catering to those who appreciate a fluid keystroke without tactile bumps.
In conclusion, while the HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its smoothness and lighter actuation force, the Akko Rosewood switch shines in its deep thocky sound, which enhances the auditory feedback of typing. Both switches likely offer a smooth feel characteristic of linear switches, with the Gravel switch specifically noted for responsive and effortless typing. Ultimately, the choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or the specific typing experience, though both can deliver satisfying results within their respective strengths.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use will play a significant role in the choice you make. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, the Gravel switch is a standout, known for its exceptional fluidity and medium-light actuation force that makes typing effortless. This is perfect for typists who enjoy a quiet and seamless feel while engaging in long writing sessions or coding marathons. On the other hand, if you appreciate auditory feedback, the Rosewood switch should be your pick; it delivers a deep, satisfying thocky sound, complementing the tactile experience with an enjoyable acoustic signature. The added layer of factory-applied lubricant enhances the smooth feel while allowing the sound profile to shine through, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and subtlety, go for the Gravel, whereas if you desire a rich auditory engagement alongside a satisfying typing experience, the Rosewood will not disappoint.
Mentioned in this article
