HMX Gravel vs. Jerrzi Violet

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Violet stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that enhances responsiveness and provides an effortlessly smooth typing experience. Ideal for those who favor a quick, uninterrupted key press, the Gravel is a top choice for gamers and typists alike. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a gentle tactile feedback, characterized by its pleasingly poppy actuation. With a neutral sound signature, it caters to users who appreciate a balanced and enjoyable typing sensation, making it an excellent option for those who thrive on tactile feedback. Both switches serve distinct preferences—whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feel—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

Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Violet switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which plays a significant role in shaping their overall sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience for both switches. This similarity arises from the inherent stiffness of the polycarbonate material, leading to a clear and resonant sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for effective RGB lighting integration, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional ambiance. Such commonality in the top housing contributes to a unified experience when users engage with either switch, favoring a bright auditory response characteristic of polycarbonate.

In contrast, both the Gravel and Violet switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to distinctly different sound qualities compared to the top housing. Nylon is known for imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound. The synergy between the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top creates a balanced auditory experience, where the crisper top end from polycarbonate meets the fuller and warmer tones produced by the nylon base. As a result, both switches will excel in providing a rich and satisfying typing experience that incorporates the unique strengths of each housing material.

Ultimately, while the HMX Gravel and Jerrzi Violet switches share the same materials in their respective housings, the way they affect the sound and feel during typing is nuanced by their design. The polycarbonate top contributes a bright and sharp auditory quality upon release, while the nylon bottom focuses on producing a more substantial and rounded sound when bottomed out. By combining these housing materials, users can appreciate a cohesive yet varied experience that enhances both the tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Therefore, regardless of the visual or aesthetic differences, typing on either switch will yield a similarly enjoyable experience thanks to the careful selection of housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we find both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both require a similar amount of effort to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of triggering letters with minimal fatigue, making both suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Gravel is recorded at 50 grams, offering a slightly firmer feel when pressing the switch all the way down, while the bottom out force for the Violet remains unknown. Without this specific value for the Violet, it is challenging to draw direct comparisons on how it performs when fully depressed. Nevertheless, since the Gravel has a clear bottom out force, it implies a heavier actuation at the end of the keystroke compared to the Violet, potentially giving it a more substantial feel. Overall, with both switches having the same actuation force, the Gravel is the heavier option at bottom out, while the Violet's performance in that regard remains uncertain.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is noted that the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Violet offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gravel is the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Violet, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke, as shorter travel distances can sometimes feel too abrupt for certain preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to individual taste—those who value speed may lean towards the Gravel, while those who enjoy a tactile experience might favor the Violet.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, typically characterized by its lack of audible feedback associated with tactile or clicky switches. This allows for a more subtle sound profile that can be ideal for shared workspaces or quiet environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature that is also moderate, making it versatile for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. Both switches maintain a sound profile that won't be overly disruptive during use, catering well to users who prioritize a less pronounced auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Gravel excels with its exceptionally smooth actuation, delivering a refined typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The medium-light actuation force enhances responsiveness, allowing for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Violet switch features a stepped tactile feel, which means it has a noticeable tactile bump but remains milder compared to more intense tactile types. This tactile feedback can provide an engaging typing experience for users who enjoy feeling the actuation point without a jarring interruption in their keystrokes.

In summary, while the HMX Gravel linear switch is known for its smooth and quiet operation, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a gentle yet noticeable tactility accompanied by a balanced sound. Users looking for an exceptionally smooth experience may prefer the Gravel, while those who appreciate light tactile feedback will find the Violet satisfying. Both options can deliver enjoyable results depending on your typing style, and if sound and feel are high on your priority list, you can expect an engaging experience from either choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience characterized by smoothness and minimal resistance, the HMX Gravel is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force ensures that your keystrokes are both responsive and effortless, making it ideal for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where quick reactions are key. Conversely, if you enjoy a tactile feedback that adds a layer of interactivity to your typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet is the way to go. Despite its unspecified bottom-out force, its gentle tactile bump and neutral sound signature make it suitable for a balanced environment, whether at home or in an office setting. The stepped feel of the Violet may provide just the right amount of feedback without overwhelming your fingers during use. Ultimately, assess your own needs and preferences in terms of smoothness, feedback, and actuation force to determine which switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more