Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Cheese. The Box Jade switch is known for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and tactile feedback, offering crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switch provides a smooth and pristine typing experience with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than the majority of switches available. While the Box Jade appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and audible click, the HMX Cheese is perfect for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Cheese switches exhibit noticeable differences in both the top and bottom housings. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials affects the overall typing experience, with the Box Jade producing a more resonant and clear sound while the Cheese offers a mellower and rounder sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed with nylon, maintaining a consistent feature between the two. Nylon is commonly used for switch housings due to its ability to dampen sound and create a deeper sound profile. This shared material in the bottom housing of the Box Jade and Cheese ensures that the typing experience is characterized by a similar level of depth and fullness in sound, despite the differences in the top housings. Typing on either switch will elicit a rich sound profile, thanks to the properties of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Box Jade creates a distinctively sharp and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a more subdued and mellow sound experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing between these switches ensures a consistent level of depth and fullness in sound, providing a balance between the unique characteristics of each switch. Ultimately, the housing materials of the Box Jade and Cheese contribute to their individual sound profiles and typing experiences, making them distinct choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Box Jade the heavier option. However, both switches have a similar medium bottom out force, with the Box Jade requiring 60 grams and the Cheese needing 46 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the HMX Cheese switch, as it has a lower actuation force, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Box Jade switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese switch. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the more traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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 $3.99.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound profile, along with a crunchy texture that mimics stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, information on the sound characteristics of the HMX Cheese linear switch is not available. However, both switches are likely to produce distinct sound profiles due to their unique design and mechanism. If you prefer a lighter, poppy sound, the Cheese switch might be more suitable for you, while the Box Jade offers a more pronounced click with a higher pitch.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as having an accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither too subtle nor overwhelming. This switch also offers an invigorating typing experience with a firm actuation force and snappy feedback. Unfortunately, details on the tactile feel of the HMX Cheese switch are not provided. Despite this, it can be assumed that the Cheese switch offers a smooth and linear typing experience, given its light actuation force and ultra-light design.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Jade excels in providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and accentuated tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese stands out for its ultra-light design and smooth typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a lighter and more effortless keystroke. Depending on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience, you can achieve similar results with either of these switches, each offering a distinct and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the way to go. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and pristine typing feel, the HMX Cheese linear switches are the perfect choice. Their ultra-light weight and satisfying clacky sound signature set them apart from other switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, tactile typing experience or a lighter, smoother feel. Both switches have their unique advantages, so consider your preferences carefully before making a decision.
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