HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Yellow Silver present two compelling options for enthusiasts, each catering to slightly different preferences. The HMX Gravel is revered for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, boasting a medium-light actuation force that facilitates a responsive and effortless experience. This makes it an excellent choice for typists seeking both comfort and satisfaction in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is designed with gamers in mind, delivering a light actuation force coupled with a neutral sound profile that promotes speed and responsiveness—ideal for quick, precise movements during intense gameplay. While both switches fall under the linear category and prioritize a smooth keystroke, their distinct characteristics cater to varying user priorities. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which fundamentally contributes to their acoustic characteristics. This commonality means both switches are designed to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, enhancing the audible feedback when a key is pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those who desire an aesthetically pleasing effect with RGB lighting, as the light can shine clearly through the housing, creating vibrant illumination effects. Consequently, users can expect similar auditory responses and lighting effects from both switches, making them suitable choices for RGB enthusiasts who prioritize both sound and aesthetics in their keyboard builds.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic material choice in the keyboard community. While polycarbonate lends itself to higher-end sound profiles, nylon offers a different auditory experience characterized by its deeper and fuller quality. This is primarily due to nylon’s softer nature, which absorbs sound more readily than harder plastics, leading to a rounder and mellower sound. Thus, the sound produced when a key bottoms out—along with the general feel of the switch—will tend to be more muted in both the Gravel and Yellow Silver switches, contributing to a smoother typing experience. Despite this softness, the nylon bottom ensures there’s a complementary balance to the sharper sounds generated from the polycarbonate top.
In summary, while the HMX Gravel and Outemu Yellow Silver differ in their bottom housings, their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing means they will produce similar high-pitched sounds, especially notable on key release. The nylon bottom housing contributes to fuller sound profiles during key presses, allowing for a depth that enriches the overall typing experience. So, even if the characteristics of the three materials differ, their combination leads to a well-rounded auditory experience. Users can appreciate this duality where the top housing's crispness is contrasted beautifully against the bottom housing's warmth, yielding a unique but harmonious balance in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in the amount of pressure needed to register a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a lightweight typing experience from either switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force differs slightly between the two; the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yellow Silver's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 55 grams. Consequently, the Gravel switch can be considered lighter overall, making it a better choice for those who favor a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys to the bottom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Yellow Silver features a travel distance of 4 mm, the more traditional length. This difference means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quick actuation, the Gravel might be the better choice for a gaming setup. Conversely, if you favor a more substantial feel with deeper keystrokes, the Yellow Silver would likely suit your preferences better. Ultimately, while both switches serve different user needs, the Gravel offers a more rapid response due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Yellow Silver provides a more pronounced tactile 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch tends to produce a sound profile that is more subdued compared to many other linear switches on the market, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. This characteristic allows users to focus on their work or gaming without the distraction of loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it strikes a balance between being audible without being intrusive. This makes the Yellow Silver suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in a more professional environment. While both switches are relatively quiet, the Gravel may offer a slightly more muted experience.
When it comes to the feel, the HMX Gravel switch stands out with its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, it promises a responsive and effortless typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. Users can expect a consistently delightful tactile interaction, making it highly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. The Yellow Silver switch also features a light actuation force, which complements its design for speediness and responsiveness, making it particularly favorable for gamers who require quick key presses. Both switches provide a light touch, but the Gravel may offer a slightly more luxurious smoothness, ideal for typists who appreciate a more polished feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches offer engaging experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Gravel impresses with its smoothness and subdued sound, making it a top choice for dedicated typists, while the Yellow Silver stands out for its neutral sound and responsiveness, appealing to gamers seeking quick action. Ultimately, users can anticipate a comfortable and efficient typing experience from either switch, though specific qualities like sound and feel may guide one to choose based on personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and intended use. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the HMX Gravel switch is an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, providing an effortless typing feel. This switch is particularly suited for typing enthusiasts who value comfort during long sessions and enjoy a responsive action. On the other hand, if your focus is on gaming or if you require a more balanced actuation with a bit more weight at 55 grams, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more advantageous. This switch is designed for speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios while delivering a neutral sound profile that won't disturb those around you. Ultimately, consider your primary use—whether it's typing or gaming—and the kind of feedback and feel you desire from your switches. Both switches offer distinctive benefits, so aligning them with your personal preferences will lead you to the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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