HMX Gravel vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Gazzew U4Tx RGB stand out as two compelling options, each offering unique benefits depending on your typing preferences. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that allows for effortless keystrokes—ideal for those who prioritize speed and consistency in their typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that combines a satisfying 'thock' sound with a sharp tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback that many typists and gamers find luxurious and rewarding. While the Gravel caters to users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted flow, the U4Tx appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience alongside an engaging audio profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches feature distinct differences in their upper housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Gravel utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound due to the material's stiffness. This particular quality enhances clarity, making polycarbonate well-suited for RGB lighting setups, as its translucence allows for better diffusion of light effects. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB adopts a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic," which is notably softer than polycarbonate. This softness promotes a richer, deeper sound profile, thus creating a warmer auditory experience. While both materials serve functional purposes, polycarbonate focuses on projecting a clearer sound, whereas the boba plastic blend emphasizes depth and warmth.

When examining the bottom housings, both switches share a commonality that contributes to their overall auditory experience. The Gravel employs nylon in its bottom housing, recognized for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounded and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend—boba plastic—for its bottom housing, which also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softer characteristics. This similarity indicates that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, both switches will yield fuller and deeper tones based on their identical bottom housing composition. Thus, the sound experience may converge at lower frequencies, regardless of the different approaches to the upper materials.

The combination of different top and bottom housing materials in both switches leads to unique tactile and auditory experiences. The top housing influences how the sound is perceived when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate providing a clearer, more defined sound upon actuation. Conversely, the softness of the U4Tx's boba plastic in its top housing cultivates a more muffled and warmer release sound. However, considering the shared properties of the bottom housings—nylon for Gravel and boba plastic for the U4Tx—both switches maintain a fuller auditory foundation during key presses. This similarity unites the two switches, allowing users to achieve a rounded sound profile, while still offering diverse auditory and tactile experiences based on their respective top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor longer typing sessions with less strain. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch has an unspecified actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while the Gravel switch requires less force to actuate, the U4Tx necessitates a more substantial push, catering to users who prefer a stronger tactile response. Consequently, if you're seeking a lightweight switch for extended use, the Gravel switch would be the more suitable choice, whereas the U4Tx may appeal to users who appreciate a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The HMX Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter of the two options, giving it a slightly more responsive feel, which could be particularly appealing to gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB, with its longer travel distance, might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a deeper engagement with their switches. Therefore, while both switches are designed to cater to different preferences, the Gravel's shorter travel distance offers a sharper response, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB may be better suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Gravel linear switch is renowned for its smooth and nearly silent operation, making it an excellent choice for typists who favor a clean sound profile. While the specific acoustic qualities of the Gravel are not detailed, linear switches typically produce less audible feedback compared to their tactile or clicky counterparts. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are characterized by a pronounced "thock" sound when bottoming out, paired with quieter topping out noises, creating a refined auditory experience. This unique sound profile provides a distinctive, luxurious feel that can be appealing, particularly to those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch excels with its exceptionally smooth typing experience owing to a medium-light actuation force that promotes effortless keystrokes. This quality makes the Gravel ideal for extended typing sessions, as it reduces fatigue while ensuring responsiveness. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a sharp tactile bump, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfying sensation that signals actuation. This tactile feedback caters to users who enjoy a more interactive feel while typing, adding a level of engagement that can be both pleasurable and ergonomic.

In summary, both switches cater to different preferences. The HMX Gravel offers unmatched smoothness and a lighter actuation force for a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB brings a rich sound and tactile feedback that many find luxurious. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet experience or a tactile and acoustic one, both of which can be influenced by your specific keyboard setup and keycap choices.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a light actuation force and smooth typing experience, the Gravel switch with its medium-light actuation at 50 grams is ideal for you—especially if you enjoy the sensation of effortless keystrokes and seek a keyboard for casual typing or gaming where rapid key presses matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a deeper sound with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the U4Tx RGB switch would likely suit you better. Its pronounced tactile bump and refined sound profile cater to users who appreciate an audible indication of key activation, making it an excellent choice for typing-intensive tasks or for those who want a more engaging typing experience. By considering factors such as sound preference, actuation force, and the overall feel—smooth versus tactile—you can confidently select the switch that aligns with your desired keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more