HMX Gravel vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and TTC Speed Silver both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, designed for enthusiasts seeking a responsive and effortless experience with a medium-light actuation force that enhances fluidity during long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switches prioritize a fast and precise typing experience, featuring a light-medium resistance and a reduced travel distance that facilitates quick actuation, making them an excellent option for gamers or anyone who requires rapid input. Both switches have distinct advantages; the Gravel excels in smoothness and comfort, while the Speed Silver stands out for its speed and precision. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and TTC Speed Silver switches share a noteworthy similarity in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This construction results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances resonance, amplifying the clarity of auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate emphasizes the aesthetic appeal through RGB lighting, providing vibrant illumination that can be visually striking. As a result, users can expect similar auditory experiences due to the shared polycarbonate material in the top housing, further accentuating the bright sound characteristics associated with both switch types.
Conversely, the bottom housing material distinguishes the two switches, with both the HMX Gravel and TTC Speed Silver opting for nylon, which presents a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic inevitably contrasts with the clarity offered by the polycarbonate top; thus, while the Gravel and Speed Silver switches will generate vibrant top-end sounds due to their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms contribute to a subdued, rounded audible experience at the bottom-out phase. Therefore, users will notice that the combination of these housing materials affects the overall typing experience, creating a unique sound signature that is distinct to each switch.
When examining the overall performance, the interplay between the materials used in each housing—polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms—results in a balanced auditory feedback profile for both the HMX Gravel and TTC Speed Silver switches. The sharper upper register generated by the polycarbonate top offset by the deeper tonal quality of the nylon bottom contributes to a comprehensive acoustic experience. The design's duality maximizes the strengths of both materials, enabling a satisfying balance of sound characteristics. Ultimately, while the two switches share similarities and differences in their housing materials, the synergistic effect of the polycarbonate and nylon combinations allows users to enjoy a diverse range of auditory feedback tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Gravel reaching 50 grams while the Speed Silver bottoms out at 55 grams. This results in a distinction in overall feel; the Gravel provides a lighter and slightly less forceful experience when bottoming out compared to the Speed Silver, which has a firmer feel due to its higher bottom out force. While both switches can offer a similar typing experience in light actuation, the Gravel is better suited for prolonged use due to its lower overall weight, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Speed Silver, being a bit heavier during bottoming out, caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Gravel a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down a key, as it provides a longer travel distance that can be perceived as more satisfying for some users. On the other hand, the Speed Silver, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and others who value rapid response times and quicker actuation. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter distances compared to traditional switches, the Gravel offers a marginally deeper experience than the Speed Silver, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, you might opt for the Speed Silver; however, if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke, the Gravel is the better choice.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel and TTC Speed Silver linear switches, we find that while the Gravel's specific auditory characteristics are not provided, it's important to note that the Speed Silver is described as having a neutral sound profile. This neutrality allows it to adapt well to various settings, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or in an office environment. The sound output of both switches will ultimately depend on additional factors, such as the keyboard design and keycap material, but you can expect that the Speed Silver will deliver a pleasant auditory experience during typographical tasks.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switches stand out with their exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that leans toward the lighter side, ensuring a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches offer a mild feel complemented by a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction in their operation. The Speed Silver’s lighter-medium resistance aims for a gentle typing experience, while the Gravel provides a slightly more refined touch. Despite the variations in actuation force, both switches ultimately focus on delivering a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Gravel and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer distinct experiences in terms of feel and sound, they cater to different user preferences. The Gravel impresses with its smoothness and lighter actuation, while the Speed Silver prioritizes a neutral sound and a fast, gentle typing feel. When choosing between them, users can evaluate their requirements for actuation force and tactile feedback to decide which switch aligns best with their typing style and environment. Even with the differences, both switches are designed to provide satisfying and efficient typing experiences, allowing users to achieve similar results depending on their setup and personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and intended usage. If you highly value a smooth, refined typing experience and prefer a lighter actuation force, the HMX Gravel switch will be your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it responsive and effortless, perfect for long typing sessions or casual browsing where comfort and ease of use are paramount. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or someone who prioritizes speed and precision in your keystrokes, the TTC Speed Silver will serve you better with its slightly firmer 55-gram actuation force and reduced travel distance. This switch strikes a balance with a neutral sound profile and polished feel, making it versatile for both gaming and typing. Therefore, consider what feels better for your fingers—smoothness versus precision—and let that guide your switch choice.
Mentioned in this article
