HMX Game1989 vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and HMX Cheese offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX 1989 switch is renowned for its deep and thocky profile, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking a robust and tactile feedback experience. This switch stands out in the HMX Film switch series for its satisfying depth, which can enhance the immersion in gaming and provide a comfortable typing environment. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience characterized by a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. As one of the lightest switches on the market, it caters to users who prioritize speed and nimbleness in their keystrokes, making it an exceptional choice for fast-paced tasks. While each switch offers distinct advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the HMX Cheese present a fascinating contrast in their respective housing materials, particularly regarding their top housings. The 1989 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, offering a sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tonal qualities. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it an attractive option for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows light to pass through, creating vibrant visual effects. Conversely, the HMX Cheese employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory experience. As a result, the HMX 1989 is likely to appeal to those seeking crisp sound feedback and vibrant lighting effects, while the HMX Cheese caters to users who prefer deeper, more muted audio.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX 1989 and the HMX Cheese are constructed from nylon, which presents a unique opportunity for comparison. Since they share the same material for the bottom housing, both switches will deliver the qualities typical of nylon: a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by sound absorption. This similar acoustic quality means that the bottoming out experience on both switches will manifest in an impact that feels akin to a rounded thud. Hence, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both models can achieve similar sound outcomes when it comes to the force applied and the sound produced from the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the HMX 1989 and the HMX Cheese produces distinctive auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences. While the stark difference in their top housing materials influences the quality of sound during key release, the shared nylon bottom housing evokes a sense of consistency in deeper sound profiles for both switches when bottoming out. This duality illustrates how the interplay of material properties can shape our typing experience, providing options for users who enjoy both the crispness offered by polycarbonate and the warmth provided by nylon in the context of sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact the user experience. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the HMX Cheese is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes the Cheese a better choice for those who prefer a softer touch and prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX 1989, being slightly heavier, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer the additional feedback of a stronger actuation force. Overall, if a user prefers lighter switches for comfort, the Cheese would be the optimal choice; however, those seeking a more robust experience might gravitate towards the HMX 1989.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the 1989 the longer option, offering a more substantial key press that some users may find provides a satisfying depth. On the other hand, the Cheese, with its 3.5 mm travel, caters to those who prefer quicker, more responsive keystrokes, which can be particularly advantageous in gaming scenarios. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid response times, the Cheese switch may be the better choice, whereas the 1989 would suit those who appreciate a more pronounced travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustic profile, creating a rich bass-like feel that resonates with each keystroke. This deep sound can evoke a sense of satisfaction for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch produces a satisfying, clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. Its lighter build contributes to a more articulate and lively auditory feedback, making it an enjoyable choice for users who prefer a more nimble and effervescent response. However, it’s important to remember that the sound characteristics can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch is lauded for its pronounced tactile feedback and substantial weight, giving the user a sense of control and stability with each press. This makes it ideal for users seeking a solid and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, offering a gliding sensation that feels almost effortless to operate. The ultra-light nature of the Cheese switch makes it suited for those who enjoy fast-paced typing, where quick actions are essential. Both options cater to different preferences, with the 1989 providing an anchored feel and the Cheese focusing on light and fluid motion.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 and HMX Cheese linear switches differ significantly in their sound profiles and tactile experiences, they both deliver impressive qualities suited for various typing styles. The 1989 offers a deep and thocky sound along with a solid feel, perfect for those who want a pronounced and stable typing experience. In contrast, the Cheese excels in delivering a lighter yet smooth and crisp sound that combined with its ultra-light feel makes for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a robust auditory and tactile experience or if you lean towards a lightweight, breezy typing sensation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch should primarily depend on your personal preferences and what you value most in your typing or gaming experience. If you appreciate a deeper, thocky feel and slightly heavier actuation, the HMX 1989, with its bottom-out force of 53 grams, may be the better option for you. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy an immersive gaming experience, especially in titles that benefit from precision and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightweight switches that enable rapid key presses with minimal resistance, the HMX Cheese, at just 46 grams, is an excellent choice. Its unparalleled smoothness and satisfying sound signature make it ideal for both typing and casual gaming, especially if you enjoy a crisp, poppy sound. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch resonate with you—whether it’s the resonant thock of the 1989 or the lively snap of the Cheese—as this will guide you to the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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