HMX Gravel vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Everglide Sunset Yellow each offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, responsive switch that enables effortless typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow charms users with its distinctive sound profile—akin to the gentle clinking of mahjong tiles—while also providing a medium-weight feel suitable for a broader audience. Its unique design, featuring a Ly stem and proprietary factory lubrication, delivers a gliding sensation and an engaging auditory experience. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different aspects of the typing experience: the Gravel for those prioritizing a smooth and responsive touch, and the Sunset Yellow for users who appreciate tactile feedback and an enjoyable soundscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, distinct differences are notable that influence their sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, lauded for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness and resonant qualities. This transparency also makes polycarbonate ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through vividly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM top housing, which delivers a deeper, more muted sound profile. While it lacks the crispness of polycarbonate, POM's unique texture provides a pleasing auditory experience that many users find appealing, albeit less bright and resonant.

The bottom housings of the two switches further showcase the differences in material usage. The HMX Gravel utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer composition that absorbs sound and yields a fuller, rounder tonal experience. This absorption contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound, giving it a deeper quality when keys are pressed down. Meanwhile, the Sunset Yellow incorporates a POM bottom housing as well, which, though it historically delivers a similar muted sound profile to that of nylon, presents its own unique characteristics. The POM bottom maintains a cohesive sound signature across the switch but leans towards a slightly different auditory experience due to the inherent properties of the material.

While the top and bottom housings of each switch differ in their material makeup, they both contribute to a distinct overall sound experience. The Gravel’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a balance of sharpness and depth, whereas the Sunset Yellow’s POM both top and bottom works harmoniously to create a unified, muted sound profile that some might find more appealing for certain types of typing experiences. Therefore, while the distinct materials will yield different tonal results, both switches can achieve satisfying auditory feedback, allowing users to choose based on personal sound preference and aesthetic considerations, especially with the potential for RGB integration in the Gravel switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we see some interesting differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has a marginally lighter actuation force at 43 grams, but its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 51 grams. This means that while the Sunset Yellow offers an equally easy initial keystroke, it requires a bit more force to bottom out compared to the Gravel. Overall, the HMX Gravel switch can be classified as the heavier of the two due to its higher bottom out force, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow is a bit lighter in terms of actuation force. Users seeking a light and responsive switch might lean towards the Gravel for its overall lighter feel, while those wanting a more substantial experience may appreciate the Sunset Yellow.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, the Gravel exhibits a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. As a result, the HMX Gravel switch offers a more substantial depth compared to the Sunset Yellow. This difference in distance can affect the overall typing experience; gamers who prefer faster response times might lean towards the shorter Sunset Yellow, while those seeking a more pronounced keystroke may find the Gravel more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for tactile feedback and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel switches are characterized by a quality that invites a meticulous examination since that information is not provided. However, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches stand out with their captivating sound profile, which mimics the delightful resonance of Mahjong tiles clashing. Their deeper, bassy thock creates a rich auditory experience reminiscent of a soft thud, giving each keypress a satisfying weight and presence. This deeper sound can make typing feel more immersive, elevating the overall experience. It’s important to note that the perceived sound can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, which may affect how these characteristics manifest in practice.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and a refined typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter end of the spectrum, they offer a seamless and responsive typing experience, making each keystroke effortless. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide a set of descriptors that encompass a creamy, frictionless, and polished sensation. The use of a unique Ly stem combined with a proprietary factory lube contributes to a buttery feel, allowing the fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. This creates an enjoyable and fluid typing experience that appeals to both casual typists and enthusiasts alike.

In summary, while the specific sound qualities of the HMX Gravel switches remain unspecified, they offer a smooth typing feel that is responsive and refined. The Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, on the other hand, deliver a delightful auditory experience with their bassy and thocky sound profile, coupled with a creamy and frictionless feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Each switch provides unique attributes that cater to different preferences; however, both can offer an enjoyable experience depending on the individual’s typing style and needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth and effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams, it provides a more responsive touch, making it ideal for those who enjoy quick keystrokes and require minimal effort while typing. Furthermore, the Gravel's smooth feel makes it well-suited for extensive typing sessions or gaming, where speed and precision are essential. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more tactile and rich auditory experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow may be the switch for you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 51 grams, these switches produce a captivating thocky sound profile that many users find satisfying. The creamy, frictionless feel paired with their unique sound resonates well with those who enjoy a deeper connection to their typing experience, making them perfect for both casual and rhythmic typing. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or force—you value more, and that will guide you to the right switch for your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more