HMX Gravel vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Gravel and KTT Strawberry offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among enthusiasts. The HMX Gravel switches stand out for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. This results in a responsive and effortless typing session, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize smoothness and speed in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches boast appealing pink and clear housings, with a reputation for their silky and buttery feel. They promise a low-pitched, frictionless actuation that many find comfortable for extended typing sessions and reliable performance in gaming scenarios. Both switches cater to individuals who enjoy a smooth typing experience but do so with differing aesthetics and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Gravel and KTT Strawberry switches exhibit both similarities and differences that play a critical role in their sound profiles and overall performance. Both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, its translucency makes it an excellent choice for showcasing RGB lighting, providing aesthetically pleasing visual effects. Thus, users can expect similar acoustic performance from the top housings of both switches, reinforcing the advantageous qualities of polycarbonate when it comes to sound clarity and lighting compatibility.
On the other hand, the bottom housings differ significantly between the two switches. The Gravel utilizes nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic construction, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder acoustic quality that contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. Conversely, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, echoing the clarity and high-pitched response characterized by its top housing. This creates a more consistent sound profile throughout the switch but sacrifices some of the deeper acoustic nuances typically associated with nylon.
Ultimately, when utilizing switches with different material properties in their housing, the qualities imparted by each material will influence the user's experience. In the case of the Gravel, the nylon bottom will produce a distinctive bottom-out feel, promoting a rounded and richer sound when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry's dual polycarbonate construction offers a uniform sound profile, making it more consistent across the keypress experience. Overall, while the two switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housings introduce unique characteristics, influencing how they sound and feel during use.
Weight
The HMX Gravel and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light and suitable for those who type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Strawberry switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, suggesting a more substantial feel when fully depressed. While both switches have comparable actuation forces, the Strawberry's significantly higher bottom out force provides a different typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the HMX Gravel, being lighter in both the actuation and bottom out force, is ideal for those seeking comfort during long sessions, while the KTT Strawberry may appeal to users looking for a firmer feedback at the end of their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel and KTT Strawberry linear switches, a clear distinction emerges. The HMX Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry has a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Gravel switch offers a shorter distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more direct feel. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel of the Strawberry switch provides a more substantial feedback, catering to those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Thus, users may choose the Gravel for its responsiveness or the Strawberry for a more pronounced keypress sensation.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch lacks a specific description, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound experience compared to higher-pitched alternatives. This distinction in sound quality suggests that users seeking a quieter, more subdued auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Strawberry, while the Gravel’s sound profile remains an area of exploration.
In terms of feel, the Gravel switch is well-regarded for its exceptional smoothness, delivering a refined typing experience with a medium-light actuation force that promotes an effortless touch. In contrast, the Strawberry switch excels with descriptors such as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These attributes signal a typing experience that is not only smooth and fluid but also devoid of any noticeable resistance. Thus, while the Gravel offers a satisfying smoothness, the Strawberry takes it further with an intensely refined and luxurious feel.
In summary, both the HMX Gravel and KTT Strawberry switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate smooth typing experiences, though they embody different auditory qualities. The Gravel switch shines in its ability to provide a lightweight and refined touch, while the Strawberry encompasses a rich array of tactile experiences through its flawless actuation and low-pitched sound. Those seeking a high level of smoothness may find satisfying results with either switch, depending on their preferences for sound and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel linear switches and KTT Strawberry linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lightweight switch that offers effortless actuation while delivering a distinctly smooth typing experience, the HMX Gravel is an excellent option for you. This switch is particularly favored by those who appreciate a more responsive feel, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial bottom-out force and enjoy a typing experience that balances smoothness with a bit of resistance, the KTT Strawberry would be your go-to. With its medium actuation force and low-pitched sound profile, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback that many users find reliable and comfortable, especially during long typing sessions. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Gravel's light touch or the Strawberry's balanced performance, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences.
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