HMX Gravel vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the HMX Gravel and HMX Swift offer two compelling options, both classified as linear switches but with distinct characteristics. The HMX Gravel is lauded for its smooth and refined typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that makes it ideal for those who value responsiveness and effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Swift distinguishes itself with a deeper sound profile, attributed to its full nylon housings, while providing a delicate 42g actuation force that makes it feel light and pleasant during use. While the Gravel appeals to enthusiasts seeking a smooth and consistent tactile experience, the Swift entices users with its unique sound and feathery touch that can make typing feel more dynamic. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and HMX Swift switches exhibit contrasting materials in their top housings, leading to different sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which contributes to sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucence not only improves its aesthetic appeal—especially in setups utilizing RGB lighting—but also bolsters the resonant quality of the sound produced when keys are released. In comparison, the Swift switch opts for a nylon top housing. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This divergence in top housing materials hints at how differently the two switches interact with users, particularly in terms of auditory feedback.
Despite their differences in top housing, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, which are made of nylon. This alignment means that the Gravel and Swift switches will deliver comparable sound qualities when it comes to bottoming out. Both types of switches benefit from nylon's natural sound-dampening properties; the soft plastic enables a duller and rounder sound, providing a rich auditory experience as users press the keys down. Consequently, while the Gravel’s sharper top housing contrasts with the Swift’s deeper tones, both switches still provide a cohesive sound profile during the actuation of keys, due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch results in distinct yet complementary auditory experiences. When striking the keys, users will experience the effects of the nylon bottom housing primarily, contributing to a richer sound as both switches are pressed down. Conversely, when releasing the keys, the materials in the top housing take precedence, allowing for the crisper sound from the Gravel’s polycarbonate casing and the fuller return sound from the Swift’s nylon layering. Overall, even with their contrasting top housings, the HMX Gravel and HMX Swift offer unique sound profiles that still overlap, showcasing how different materials can be utilized effectively to address diverse user preferences without sacrificing overall performance.
Weight
The HMX Gravel and HMX Swift linear switches both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Swift switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users of the Swift can expect a lighter touch when initiating a keystroke, which may enhance comfort during prolonged use. Despite their differences in actuation force, both switches share the same bottom out force, indicating that, regardless of which switch one chooses, users will feel similar resistance when fully pressing down. Ultimately, the HMX Swift is the lighter option, offering a softer typing experience, whereas the HMX Gravel, with its slightly heavier actuation force, may provide a bit more feedback for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm positions the Gravel as the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness in their typing experience. The Swift, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth while typing, resulting in a less abrupt action. Overall, the Gravel provides a quicker response, while the Swift offers a more traditional typing experience.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 linear switch presents a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer minimal auditory distraction. It allows for an unobtrusive ambiance while typing, enhancing focus without being bothersome to others nearby. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch boasts a more pronounced sound profile, characterized as clacky and crisp, producing a lively sound with each keystroke. This clackiness can provide satisfying auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy more pronounced sound characteristics during their typing sessions.
Regarding feel, the Gravel switch is celebrated for its refined and smooth typing experience, coupled with a medium-light actuation force that offers just the right amount of resistance for a responsive response. This makes it ideal for those who value a seamless typing experience without excessive effort. On the other hand, the Swift switch is designed to be easy-to-press, featuring a delicate actuation force and multiple attributes that enhance its feel. These include a feathery touch that significantly reduces finger fatigue, a bouncy sensation that offers rewarding feedback with each keystroke, and a creamy, buttery smoothness that allows for effortless gliding across the keys. Together, these qualities elevate the typing experience, making it comfortable for extended use.
In summary, while the HMX Gravel linear switch excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the HMX Swift switch stands out with its deeper sound profile and multiple enjoyable tactile qualities. If sound is a priority, the Swift will deliver a livelier auditory experience, while the Gravel offers a more muted and refined sound signature. Both switches emphasize effortless typing, though the Gravel leans towards a more understated experience compared to the vibrant feedback of the Swift.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel and HMX Swift linear switches will largely depend on your typing style and the auditory feedback you desire. If you are someone who prefers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gravel switches may be the better option for you. Their medium-light actuation force allows for quick, responsive keystrokes that can enhance your productivity, especially during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you find enjoyment in the tactile experience accompanied by a deeper sound profile, the Swift switches might be your go-to. Their lighter actuation force and feathery feel make typing less strenuous, while the clacky sound adds a lively auditory feedback to your keystrokes, making it an engaging option for both gaming and general use. Ultimately, consider what matters more to you: a refined, silky smooth experience or a playful and engaging typing atmosphere, and choose accordingly.
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