HMX Gravel vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Huano Sakura are two standout linear options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. This allows for a responsive and effortless typing experience while maintaining that sought-after smoothness, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who prioritize fluidity and comfort. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switch provides a feather-light touch paired with medium acoustics, making it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount without sacrificing a pleasant auditory experience. Both switches offer unique advantages, whether it's the Gravel's emphasis on smoothness or the Sakura's lightweight feel. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel switch and the Huano Sakura switch differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Gravel utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This stiffness ensures that the sound resonates clearly, making polycarbonate particularly effective for RGB lighting applications thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK top housing, which, while also aimed at achieving a positive sound profile, offers a smoother typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction. The POK material enhances the clackiness of the switches, leading to a distinct typing feel compared to the sharper focus provided by the polycarbonate top of the Gravel.
Conversely, both the HMX Gravel and the Huano Sakura switches share a commonality in their bottom housing—both utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its softer construction allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. As a result, the typing feel and sound produced when bottoming out the keys will be quite similar in both switches, providing a consistent experience for users. This shared characteristic means that while there's a marked difference in their top housings, the bottom housing unifies their performance, ensuring that the deeper, more resonant sound is maintained across both models.
When considering the overall switch experience, it's important to note how the combined properties of the top and bottom housing materials interact. The HMX Gravel, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a unique blend of crispness and depth, while the Huano Sakura, featuring a POK top and nylon bottom, leans towards smoother and clacky sensations. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a similar bottom-out sound and feel, demonstrating how even when materials differ, the overall switch experience can still align closely. Thus, although the two switches may cater to slightly different auditory preferences and tactile sensations, they converge in their output due to the shared nylon material in their lower housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura switch is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Sakura is the lighter switch, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gravel, with its slightly higher forces, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel for their typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are categorized as light, the Sakura provides a gentler touch and lower effort overall, making it more suitable for those who prioritize ease of use in prolonged scenarios.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive experience for users who favor quicker key presses, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming. On the other hand, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a marginally deeper press, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Both switches fall within a range that has become increasingly popular among gamers, but the Gravel's shorter travel distance could lead to faster response times, while the Sakura may cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial feel beneath their fingers.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Gravel linear switch is notably refined, providing a smooth auditory experience that is generally considered pleasant, though the specifics of this sound are not detailed. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by its medium acoustics, striking an interesting balance between subtlety and clarity. Both switches may yield similar sound experiences, but external factors like the keyboard build and keycap material will play a significant role in shaping their final output; thus, it is possible to achieve comparable acoustic results with the right setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gravel switch stands out with its exceptional smoothness, delivering a responsive and effortless typing experience that many find appealing. It features a medium-light actuation force that leans toward the lighter side, enhancing the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. The Sakura switch, on the other hand, offers a feather-light touch, which adds to its suitability for long-duration use. Both switches provide a satisfying typing feel, although the Gravel may offer a slightly more pronounced smoothness while the Sakura’s feather-light nature lends itself to a distinctly different yet equally enjoyable experience.
In summary, while both the HMX Gravel and Huano Sakura linear switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, they each have unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The gravel showcases a refined smoothness and a more effortless actuation, whereas the Sakura offers a lighter touch with a medium sound profile. Ultimately, depending on your specific needs and keyboard setup, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, making them both excellent choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel and the Huano Sakura linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and needs. If you're looking for a switch that provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force at 50 grams, the Gravel would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a responsive and refined feel that feels effortless during extended typing periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light touch with an even lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, the Sakura switch will likely suit you better. Its medium acoustics and design make it perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches cater to different aspects of typing comfort, so consider your typing style and how much feedback you desire. By reflecting on these factors, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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