HMX Cheese vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and KTT Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cheese switch stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring. While both switches have their strengths, such as being lighter than 90% of all switches for the Cheese and boasting a bouncy and clacky typing experience for the Cream Yellow, it's essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and KTT Cream Yellow switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer a unique typing experience, the Cheese is better suited for a duller and rounder sound, while the Cream Yellow provides a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Cheese and Cream Yellow switches utilize nylon, offering a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. This consistency in material for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in distinguishing the overall sound profile of the switches. The contrasting properties of nylon in the bottom housing and polycarbonate in the top housing create a notable difference in sound between the two switches. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cheese and KTT Cream Yellow switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile. The Cheese's nylon housing provides a softer and more absorbing sound, ideal for those looking for a duller and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those seeking a clear and resonant typing sound. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch differ in terms of weight. The HMX Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the KTT Cream Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cheese switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch provides a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more defined keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Cheese and KTT Cream Yellow linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will feel the switch travel a total distance of 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same tactile experience, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a consistent feel across different keyboards. While they may differ in other aspects, such as actuation force or sound profile, their travel distance remains identical, ensuring similar results when typing or gaming with either switch.
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 $3.79.
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
While both the HMX Cheese and KTT Cream Yellow switches offer unique sound and feel qualities, they cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its smoothness and light actuation, accompanied by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem.
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese switch excels in providing a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crisp sound signature, while the Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinct clacky sound with resonant audio feedback. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that can complement different typing preferences and environments.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, while the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its bouncy typing feel, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The typing experience with these switches is influenced by factors such as the keycap material and keyboard build, further enhancing the overall feel.
Overall, while the HMX Cheese and KTT Cream Yellow switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch boasts smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound, while the Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinct clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound feedback. If you value an ultra-light switch with a smooth and clacky typing experience that produces a satisfying poppy sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force switch that offers a bouncy typing feel and a distinctively clacky sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound feedback.
Mentioned in this article
