HMX 1989 vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Black are two noteworthy contenders in the realm of linear switches, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The HMX 1989, recognized for its profound depth and "thocky" sound profile, provides an immersive typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. Its design caters to those who seek a robust auditory feedback without compromising smooth key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black, renowned for its classic reliability, features Cherry's advanced Hyperglide tooling, which enhances its already smooth actuation and introduces a texture that’s both familiar and comforting. With its low-pitched, stiff feel, the MX Black appeals to users who desire a more controlled typing experience, particularly well-suited for heavy-handed users or those who prefer a firmer response when typing or gaming. While both switches have their merits, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer characteristics. The clarity and resonance of polycarbonate can be especially pronounced, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize an impactful auditory feedback alongside RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black employs a nylon top housing that, while a classic material, offers a very different auditory experience. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively because it is a softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. Thus, while both switches serve the same function, they deliver distinctly different acoustic experiences due to the contrasting nature of their top housing materials.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is noteworthy that the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Black both utilize nylon. This commonality means that the bottom housing for both switches contributes similarly to the overall sound and feel. The nylon material helps absorb sound, producing a fuller and deeper auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the feel upon pressing down the key, users of both switches are likely to experience a satisfying and consistent feedback sensation when fully actuating a key. This consistency in bottom housing material can help bridge the acoustic gap created by their differing top housings.
In summary, although the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Black share similarities in their bottom housing, the differing top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—lead to contrasting sound profiles. The sharper, crisper sounds from the HMX 1989’s polycarbonate top contrast with the deeper, rounder tones produced by the Cherry MX Black’s nylon top. Together, these differences and similarities illustrate how the combination of housing materials—both top and bottom—plays a crucial role in shaping the tactile and auditory experience of mechanical switches. This interplay means that while the two switches may serve similar purposes, their overall experience and performance can vary significantly based on the materials used in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch with the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that is suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 80 grams, which caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the HMX 1989 is lighter overall, while the Cherry MX Black is heavier, suggesting that users seeking comfort and endurance might gravitate toward the former, whereas those who desire a firmer push may opt for the latter. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces present clear choices depending on user preferences for weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressing down on a key, both switches will feel identical in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation depth when using either switch, making them equally versatile for typing and gaming. Since their travel distances are equal, users can switch between these two switches without noticing a difference in travel distance, resulting in a consistent experience across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 1989 switch is best known for producing a deep and thocky auditory profile, making it appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback when typing. This characteristic can enhance the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying auditory cue with each keystroke. The Cherry MX Black switch, on the other hand, delivers a familiar low-pitched sound profile that offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the MX Black's improved Hyperglide tooling allows for a textured smoothness, its sound also remains on the deeper end of the spectrum, creating a pleasant and robust auditory experience. Both switches produce satisfying sounds, particularly suited for those who appreciate a rich and full noise during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch offers a plush typing experience characterized by a soft and responsive actuation, making it comfortable for users who type extensively or engage in gaming. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black is noted for its textured and somewhat stiff feel. This means that while the MX Black switch requires a higher force to actuate, which can create a more deliberate typing experience, it may not provide the same level of smoothness as the HMX 1989. The difference in actuation force and overall texture means that users may prefer one switch over the other based on their typing style and personal preference for key responsiveness.
In conclusion, while both the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Black switches feature deep sound profiles that create a satisfying auditory experience, they differ in their tactile feedback. The HMX 1989 provides a plush feel ideal for those seeking comfort, while the stiffer and textured Cherry MX Black caters to users who value a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will boil down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, but both can offer enjoyable results, especially in environments that value rich auditory feedback and distinct tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the HMX 1989 might be the better choice for you. Its thocky sound profile and smooth feel can provide an enjoyable experience for both gaming and casual typing, making it ideal for those who seek a balance of comfort and auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust tactile experience, the Cherry MX Black switch, with its heavier 80-gram bottom-out force, is likely to fulfill your needs. This switch's low-pitched, bass-heavy sound combined with its textured and stiff nature offers a distinct typing experience suited for users who prefer a firmer key feel, especially during intense gaming sessions or heavy typing tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific requirements in terms of actuation force, sound, and tactile engagement to suit your unique preferences.
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