HMX Game1989 vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Brown represent distinct options tailored to different preferences and needs. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky feedback, making it ideal for gamers who crave a satisfying keystroke and immersive auditory experience during intense play sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch embodies subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between quiet operation and responsive performance, perfect for both casual typing and professional use. While the HMX 1989 delivers an engaging and bassy typing feel, the Cherry MX Brown provides a more understated, textured response that many find ideal for a versatile workplace setting. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Cherry MX Brown switches, a stark contrast arises in their top housing. The 1989 employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This characteristic not only offers a crisper auditory experience but also allows for enhanced RGB lighting visibility, given the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and provides a rounder auditory feel, which creates a warm and dampened typing experience. Thus, the choice of top housing materials distinctly influences the acoustic qualities and aesthetic possibilities of the two switches, highlighting the polycarbonate's suitability for a brighter sound versus the nylon's preference for a more muted tone.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, showcasing a consistency in sound absorption and overall auditory depth. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Brown ensures a brilliantly cohesive sound profile that emphasizes the sensation of bottoming out. The properties of nylon mean that whenever a key is pressed, the acoustics will resonate in a way that feels deeper and fuller; this results in a satisfying tactile experience regardless of the specific switch. Consequently, while the two switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—where polycarbonate creates a brighter resonance compared to the warmer tones of nylon—the bottom housing remains consistent, potentially yielding similar bottom-out sound qualities.
In terms of functionality, these differences in top housings imply that the overall sound experience of the switch will vary significantly depending on the material used. The HMX 1989 will provide a sharper auditory feedback when keys are released due to the polycarbonate at the top, while the Cherry MX Brown's release will sound fuller and softer thanks to its nylon top. This contrast emphasizes how materials shape user experience—polycarbonate enhances brightness, critical for RGB visibility, while nylon offers warmth and a comforting sound profile. However, both switches can deliver a deep sound during actuation due to their shared nylon bottom housing, thus reinforcing a certain level of consistency even amidst their varied top housing experiences.
Weight
Comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch reveals some noteworthy similarities and minor differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them similarly responsive for keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the HMX 1989 has a force of 53 grams, while the Cherry MX Brown has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that although both switches can be considered medium-light overall, the Cherry MX Brown requires a stronger push before hitting the bottom. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the HMX 1989 more comfortable for extended use or gaming sessions, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the MX Brown due to its heavier bottom out force. In this regard, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Brown is slightly heavier.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share the same distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. As a result, users will experience similar keypress results in terms of travel depth with either switch. This consistency may contribute to a familiar sensation for typists who alternate between keyboards equipped with these switches, allowing for comfortable typing without the adjustment period that usually accompanies different travel distances.
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 Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustics, which provide a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by their bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This results in a relatively muted click—subtle yet noticeable—during key presses, making them less intrusive and more suitable for quiet environments. The 1989's thocky tones offer a rich depth that can resonate more loudly depending on the keyboard build, while the MX Brown's tonal qualities lean towards a mellow experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch excels in providing a soft, linear experience that allows smooth key presses without any tactile resistance, ideal for those who favor quick, uninterrupted keystrokes. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown switches feature a textured feel that incorporates gentle tactile feedback. This texture can create a sensation of friction as keys are pressed, allowing typists to sense actuation points without the loud, pronounced clicks of more tactile switches. While the HMX 1989 offers a straightforward linear feel, the MX Brown provides a more nuanced typing experience due to its subtle tactile nature.
Overall, while the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Brown switches cater to different preferences, both provide unique qualities that appeal to various users. The 1989 excels in delivering a deep and thocky sound while providing a smooth linear experience, whereas the MX Brown combines its softer auditory feedback with a tactile feeling that some typists prefer. Ultimately, when choosing between the two, consider whether you prioritize the resonant thock and linearity of the 1989 or the subtlety and textured feedback of the MX Brown, as both can offer satisfying results based on your personal typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a smoother experience with more pronounced auditory feedback during keypresses, especially in gaming setups where you might want that “thocky” feel, the HMX 1989 is likely your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams provides a responsive yet comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a fluid motion without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you value subtlety and nuance in your typing or gaming experience, the Cherry MX Brown switches could be more suitable for you. While they offer a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, they reward you with gentle tactility and a low-pitched, bassy sound that’s perfect for long typing sessions or when you need to maintain a quieter environment. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize a linear switch’s smoothness or the tactile feedback that the Browns provide, so consider what aspects are most important for your gaming or typing preferences.
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