HMX Cheese vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Coral mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light feel, providing a satisfying clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral boasts a distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, striking a balance between sophistication and performance. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Coral differ significantly in terms of the top housing materials used. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Coral utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic nature. While the Cheese offers a more muted and round sound due to the nylon top housing, the Coral provides a clearer and resonant sound thanks to the polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Coral share the use of nylon for their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs sound effectively. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound between the two switches. However, the differences in their top housing materials, nylon for the Cheese and polycarbonate for the Coral, lead to distinct sound profiles and overall typing experiences.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials used in a switch can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of typing. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Coral, the characteristics of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This allows for a unique typing experience where the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing material, while the sound when releasing a key is determined by the top housing material. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Cheese and the Coral can greatly affect the typing experience and sound profile produced by the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is slightly lighter in both aspects. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Coral has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cheese requires 46 grams to bottom out, whereas the bottom out force for the Coral is unknown. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, with the Cheese being marginally lighter. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cheese, while users looking for a slightly stronger push feel may opt for the Coral. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is 3.7 mm. The Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Coral, making it slightly more responsive for users who prefer shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Coral offers a bit more depth to the key press, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with neither being considered exceptionally shallow or deep. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, striking a balance between nuanced sophistication and stellar performance. While the Cheese switch provides a unique ultra-light typing experience, the Coral switch offers a silky smooth typing feel. The sound of the Cheese switch is characterized by its yet unknown qualities, while the Coral switch is known for its low-pitched resonance, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Coral switches, it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, the Coral switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience no matter which option you choose. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Cheese or Coral switch, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of exceptional performance and quality, tailored to meet the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, consider your preference for key weight and sound signature. If you prioritize a light key feel with a satisfying clacky sound, opt for the HMX Cheese switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, the Jerrzi Coral switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your personal typing style.
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