HMX Gravel vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Dareu Snow both stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel in their typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Gravel excels with its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, complemented by a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a light touch and a silky glide while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow introduces a unique sound profile and feel, thanks to its innovative POK material construction, which not only contributes to a deeper sound signature but also enhances the overall tactile experience. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a thocky, neutral typing experience with a bouncy feedback. While both switches offer their own advantages, they cater to different aspects of user preference, whether it be a lighter touch or a richer sound. 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

Dareu Snow Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Dareu Snow switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which influences their sound profiles and overall performance. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness. This attribute not only enhances acoustic clarity but also allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Snow's top housing is made of POK (polyketone), a material celebrated for its smoothness and exceptional durability. While the POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction provides a unique tactile feedback, which may not mimic the brightness of polycarbonate, it offers its own attributes of enhancing the overall switch experience with a smooth and clacky feel. Thus, the top housings of both switches deliver distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences among users.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Gravel and Snow utilize nylon, a material known for its classic switch housing qualities. The deeper and fuller sound profile produced by nylon arises from its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared characteristic ensures a duller and rounder sound when typing, regardless of the top housing material. The consistent use of nylon in both switches means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be similar, as both produce that warm, muffled resonance. Consequently, users can expect a level of auditory comfort when engaging with either switch, even though their top housings lead to different sound dynamics during key release.

Ultimately, while the HMX Gravel and Dareu Snow switches differ in their top housing materials, the similarities in their bottom housing contribute to a unified typing experience. Each switch's unique sound profile can be largely attributed to the top housing, resulting in distinct auditory sensations when typing. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users will encounter a deeper, fuller sound with a satisfying bottom-out experience in both cases. Therefore, for those who appreciate a balance between sharp clarity and a more rounded auditory output, the combination of the Gravel's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom or the Snow's POK top and nylon bottom provides complementary yet unique experiences that cater to varied typing preferences.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch exhibit differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gravel switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users seeking a comfortable typing experience over longer sessions. In contrast, the Snow switch has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more robust feel when typing. This means that users of the Gravel switch will find it easier to press keys, which can reduce fatigue in lengthy typing or gaming scenarios, whereas the heavier Snow switch may provide a more substantial feedback and tactile experience. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Gravel is the better choice, while the Snow caters to those who like a firmer press.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a more substantial feel when pressed, making it a better choice for users who prefer a deeper, more tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Snow switch, with its shorter travel distance, provides a quicker response time, which could be advantageous for gamers looking for speed. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness and agility in your keystrokes, the Dareu Snow would be the preferable switch, while the HMX Gravel may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced depth in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch has not been extensively characterized, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat unclear. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is notably recognized for its thocky, low-pitched sound profile, which delivers a deep and satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of a soft thud when pressed. This richer sound can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more immersive typing experience, whether at home or in an office setting. The Gravel’s sound may not match the Snow in terms of depth and richness, but an engaging auditory experience can still be achieved based on the mechanical keyboard build and the accompanying keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and a responsive typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force. This results in a fluid and effortless typing motion, ideal for prolonged use without strain. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a lively feedback sensation that springs back once a key is pressed. This bounciness can add an element of playfulness to the typing experience, potentially enhancing your overall interaction with the keyboard. While both switches deliver a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the Gravel focuses on seamless smoothness, whereas the Snow injects a dynamic elasticity into each keystroke.

Overall, both the HMX Gravel and Dareu Snow switches cater to different preferences within the realm of linear switches. The Gravel prioritizes a silky smooth typing experience, while the Snow emphasizes a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel. If you lean towards an effortless and refined typing experience, the Gravel may be more appealing. If you prefer a more impactful acoustic and tactile response, the Snow could be the better choice. Each switch brings its own unique qualities, ensuring that enthusiasts can find a fit for their personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel and the Dareu Snow linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use cases. If you prioritize a light and incredibly smooth typing experience, the Gravel is a standout option, especially if you enjoy a responsive feel with minimal effort. Its lower actuation force allows for quick typing and can be ideal for tasks that require speed, such as gaming or fast-paced writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a more substantial feel under your fingers, the Snow switch may be the better choice for you. With its medium actuation force and bouncy feedback, the Snow provides a more satisfying tactile sensation, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, where the feedback can help prevent finger fatigue. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you lean towards a lightweight, smooth typing style or a firmer, more acoustically engaging experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more