HMX Gravel vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Jwick Splash Brothers stand out as notable options, each offering distinct characteristics to enhance the typing experience. The HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their smoothness and refined typing feel, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a responsive and effortless interaction with their keyboard. With a medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter side, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience well-suited for long sessions of both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches bring a unique blend of features, including a shorter activation distance and a long pole stem that delivers a dynamic typing feel. Moreover, they are known for their creamy sound signature, making them particularly appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. While both switches are linear, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a quieter keyboard experience, they each bring their unique strengths to the table. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Jwick Splash Brothers share strikingly similar housing materials, specifically utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This characteristic is rooted in the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, making it an ideal choice for those looking for clarity and resonance in their typing experience. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the top housing allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual aspect of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge in terms of their acoustic qualities. Both the Gravel and the Splash Brothers employ nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound, fostering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon compared to polycarbonate results in a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound, enriching the overall typing experience. Because this bottom housing is responsible for the impact of the keystroke, the softer nylon material helps in creating a more pleasant and cushioned feel when bottoming out, while the stiffer polycarbonate tops continue to provide the signature clarity during release.
Despite the similarity in their top and bottom housing materials, the resulting auditory experience from each switch can be discerned through their design. With both the Gravel and the Splash Brothers offering a distinct contrast between the crispness of the polycarbonate top and the depth of the nylon bottom, users will enjoy a balanced sound profile where each component enhances the overall typing experience. Consequently, while the two switches employ similar materials, their interplay leads to unique yet harmonious results, making them suitable choices for distinct preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find some interesting nuances in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, both of which are considered light. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 48 grams, also on the lighter side. This means that while the Gravel provides a concrete actuation feel, the Splash Brothers does not define how much force is needed to activate a key. In terms of bottom out force, the Gravel switch is slightly heavier than the Splash Brothers (50 grams vs. 48 grams), although both switches are relatively light overall. Consequently, typists seeking a lighter feel may gravitate towards either option, but those who prefer a more tactile experience might find the Gravel's defined actuation force more satisfying.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This identical measurement means that users will experience a similar tactile response when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, they are likely to deliver comparable feel and feedback during typing or gaming, ensuring that enthusiasts can choose between them based on other preferences without worrying about differences in travel distance performance.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 HMX Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its smooth and refined sound profile, making it pleasant for those seeking a quiet typing experience. Although the specifics of its auditory characteristics haven’t been detailed, the focus on a smooth sound suggests it maintains a minimalist acoustic footprint. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch exhibits a creamy sound signature which contributes to a more dynamic auditory experience despite being described as neutral overall. This combination of sound qualities means that while the Gravel may excel in a quieter setting, the Splash Brothers can provide a more engaging auditory backdrop without becoming overwhelming.
When considering the feel, the Gravel switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, highlighting the enjoyment and ease of typing without excessive resistance. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches incorporate various feel descriptors, such as snappy and bouncy, while still offering a mild typing experience. The combination of their shorter activation and long pole stem creates an exciting and lively feedback sensation, which can lead to a more responsive and enjoyable typing experience. While both switches aim to deliver a pleasant touch, the Gravel leans more towards smoothness, while the Splash Brothers emphasize a more dynamic and energetic feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. If you favor a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Gravel is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a lively and responsive feel with engaging sound, the Splash Brothers will likely suit you better. While the Gravel swings towards a refined touch and neutral sound, Splash Brothers add an extra layer of excitement with their snappy feedback and creamy acoustics. Ultimately, both switches offer unique attributes, and your choice will depend on what qualities you value most in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize smoothness and a refined typing feel, the HMX Gravel with its 50g bottom-out force is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation makes it suited for long typing sessions where a smooth and effortless experience is key, particularly if you value a more polished and calming sound profile. On the other hand, if you’re after a switch that offers a snappy, bouncy feel with a more vibrant typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers at 48g is your go-to. Its unique design provides a shorter activation distance, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing, while its creamy sound signature adds a pleasant acoustic quality without being too distracting. Ultimately, choose the Gravel for leisurely typing and a smooth experience, and opt for the Splash Brothers if you desire responsiveness and a lively feedback sensation.
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