HMX Gravel vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Haimu Viola Tricolor each present unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Gravel, known for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, offers a medium-light actuation force that enhances responsiveness and provides an effortless typing experience—perfect for those who prioritize speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor emphasizes a more tactile feedback with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, delivering pronounced tactility that can keep typists engaged without being overly distracting. For users who enjoy a smooth, linear experience, the Gravel is an ideal choice, while those who favor a satisfying tactile response may be drawn to the character of the Viola Tricolor. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their distinctive sound profiles. Both switches deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material's clarity and resonance are particularly enhanced when illuminated with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience when using these switches, as both are engineered to produce a sound profile characterized by precision and brightness, making them attractive options for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a lively typing environment.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the HMX Gravel and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are made from nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This quality enables both switches to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the high-pitched clarity of their polycarbonate tops. The softness of nylon allows it to create a duller and rounder acoustic signature upon actuation, which provides a unique tactile feedback and auditory experience. Consequently, while the top housings contribute to a clear sound on release, the nylon bottoms ensure a rich and smooth bottom-out sound, emphasizing the importance of how the two materials work together.
In summary, while the top and bottom housing materials differ in both the Gravel and Viola Tricolor, they complement each other effectively to create a balanced sound experience. The polycarbonate tops provide clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottoms offer depth and warmth. Users of both switches will benefit from a comprehensive auditory experience, as the combined effects of the materials result in a dynamic range of sounds when typing. The use of similar materials in both cases enhances the overall consistency in performance, allowing users to enjoy high-fidelity acoustic feedback, whether they’re gaming or typing for extended periods.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The Gravel features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has an unknown actuation force but a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that it requires a heavier push when fully pressed down. Thus, the Viola Tricolor is considered medium-heavy, contrasting with the lighter Gravel switch. For users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the Viola may be appealing. Overall, the Gravel offers a lighter touch, ideal for extended use, while the Viola satisfies those who enjoy a firmer feel without the specific actuation measurement available for precise comparison.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Gravel has a shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Gravel's shorter distance may be more appealing, allowing for quicker actuation and faster response times, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced and hearty feel, which might be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile experience while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 exceptional smoothness, contributing to a silent typing experience that many users find appealing. While the specific sound profile of the Gravel is not explicitly detailed, linear switches like it typically produce a muted noise during key presses, making them ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is characterized by a distinct thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a bassy and low-pitched auditory experience. This sound can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy feedback with more character. Thus, while the sound of the Gravel may lean towards silence, the Viola Tricolor provides a rich audio experience, resulting in markedly different auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch is known for its smoothness and medium-light actuation force, promoting an effortless and responsive typing experience. This quality makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a light touch without any noticeable resistance. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor boasts an invigorating tactile sensation, characterized by pronounced feedback and a medium level of tactility that engages the typist without overwhelming them. The Viola's accentuated feedback can make for a more dynamic typing experience, while the Gravel prioritizes seamlessness and fluidity. Consequently, the Gravel provides a more restrained feel compared to the invigorating nature of the Viola.
In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience that is perfect for those who desire a more understated sound and feel. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch presents a more engaging typing experience with its pronounced tactile feedback and richer sound profile. While both switches have their unique qualities catering to different user preferences, they ultimately serve to enhance the mechanics of typing, whether through the effortless glide of the Gravel or the palpable tactility of the Viola.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you are seeking a typing experience characterized by smoothness and responsiveness, the Gravel switch is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or for gamers looking for rapid key presses without fatigue. In contrast, if you enjoy a more engaging tactile feel with a satisfying sound profile, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams and pronounced thuddy feedback, this switch appeals to users who appreciate a more immersive typing sensation and a punchy response that enhances every keystroke. Moreover, if sound plays a significant role in your decision, the deeper, bassy notes of the Viola Tricolor will contribute to a more impactful acoustic experience. Therefore, evaluate what you prioritize in your keyboard experience—whether it’s the light, smooth feedback of the Gravel or the tactile and engaging response of the Viola Tricolor—to make the best choice for your unique typing style.
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