HMX Gravel vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and KTT Wine Red stand out as two strong contenders in the linear switch category, each offering its own unique characteristics to enhance the typing experience. The HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and refined feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that allows for an effortless and responsive typing experience. Users who prioritize a subtle yet satisfying tactile sensation may find the Gravel to be an excellent choice. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are known for their pillowy light typing feel coupled with a deep, bassy sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a rich auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Gravel emphasizing a smooth and lightweight touch, while the Wine Red focuses on producing a pronounced and immersive acoustic experience. 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

HMX Gravel Linear

KTT Wine Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.71 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and KTT Wine Red switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp auditory experience. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that amplifies the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. This makes them particularly appealing for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances light diffusion, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Despite being from different product lines, the shared top housing material allows these switches to exhibit comparable acoustic qualities, ensuring a well-defined auditory feedback when pressed.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly. The Gravel uses a nylon bottom housing, while the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics, absorbs sound to produce a deeper, fuller acoustic profile, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This can create a more cushioned feel when bottoming out, which some users may find preferable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper sound profile initiated by the top housing, leading to a more consistent overall acoustic experience, albeit without the warmth that nylon provides.

Ultimately, the different bottom housing materials influence the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Gravel's nylon bottom imparts distinct characteristics, especially apparent during the bottoming-out stage, while its polycarbonate top complements the sharper qualities of the switch. On the other hand, the Wine Red's all-polycarbonate composition results in a more uniform sound profile that leans toward clarity, with less depth. Users seeking a fuller and rounder typing experience may prefer the Gravel, while those who appreciate a consistent, crisp sound throughout the keystroke would lean towards the Wine Red.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Wine Red's 44 grams, making the Wine Red the lighter option in terms of actuation feel. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Gravel is rated at 50 grams, while the Wine Red is heavier at 55 grams. This means that while both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, the Gravel switch offers a softer bottom out feel compared to the more substantial response of the Wine Red. For users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Gravel may be the better choice, whereas those who favor a heftier feel could lean towards the Wine Red due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we see that they differ significantly, with the Gravel having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the Wine Red at 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker actuation and a more responsive typing experience, appealing to gamers and those who prefer rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Wine Red, with its longer travel distance of 4 mm, may feel more substantial and satisfying for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke, allowing for a more deliberate typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the HMX Gravel would be the suitable choice, while the KTT Wine Red caters to those who prefer a heartier depth in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch provides an experience that emphasizes smoothness without providing specific auditory characteristics, making it somewhat neutral in nature. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch is known for its distinctively deep and rich sound profile. It is characterized as "bassy," offering a lower frequency range with a satisfying depth that resonates pleasantly during typing. This low-pitched sound adds a layer of richness compared to the potentially more subdued acoustic feedback of the Gravel switch. It’s important to note that external factors such as the keyboard’s materials and keycap choice will also influence the overall sound experience.

Regarding the feel, the HMX Gravel switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. This contributes to a responsive and effortless typing experience, allowing for quick and efficient keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a “pillowy light type feel” that suggests a softer landing upon keypress, making it potentially more forgiving while typing. The Gravel’s emphasis on smoothness appears to provide a more direct touch, while the Wine Red’s cushioning effect can create a different tactile experience that some users may prefer for comfort during prolonged typing sessions.

In summary, while both switches provide a pleasurable experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The HMX Gravel focuses on smoothness and a lighter touch, which may appeal to those who prioritize effortless typing. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red gives a deeper auditory feedback with its bassy sound and features a softer tactile sensation. Users looking for a satisfying balance between auditory and tactile feedback would need to consider their specific preferences, as both switches can deliver enjoyable outcomes, albeit in distinct manners.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between HMX Gravel and KTT Wine Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter touch and crave a smooth, refined typing experience, the HMX Gravel switch—with its lower bottom-out force of 50 grams—might be the ideal option for you. This switch is designed for effortless keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions where comfort and speed are essential. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a deeper, bassy sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switch, which has a bottom-out force of 55 grams, should be your go-to. The Wine Red's pillowy light feel and rich acoustic character add a tactile satisfaction that many typists find enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate a more substantial feedback during their key presses. Ultimately, each switch offers a unique typing experience, so consider what aspects resonate with you most as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more