HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and Outemu Crystal switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is lighter than the majority of switches available. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal switch offers a fairly elastic typing feel with a medium-light weight, resulting in a unique linear typing experience and a neutral sound profile. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a light and smooth typing experience, the Crystal switch stands out for its unique typing feel and sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Crystal switches offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Nylon top housing of the Cheese switch provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal switch delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant tone. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
While the bottom housing materials of the Cheese and Crystal switches both feature polycarbonate, the differences lie in their sound profiles. The Nylon bottom housing of the Cheese switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its top housing characteristics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal switch brings a sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the top housing's qualities. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Crystal switch provides a consistent sound experience across the entire switch, offering a unique and cohesive auditory feedback.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as the Cheese and Crystal switches, the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This dynamic creates a balanced sound experience for typists and enhances the overall typing feel of the switches. Whether it's the softer Nylon of the Cheese or the stiffer polycarbonate of the Crystal, both housing materials offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch differ in terms of their weight. The Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Crystal switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese switch may be preferred by those who want a more effortless typing experience for longer periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Crystal switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel for a more tactile typing experience. 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, making it shorter than the Outemu Crystal linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cheese switch offers a slightly shallower key press compared to the Crystal switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and response time. If you are looking for a quicker, more responsive key press, the HMX Cheese switch may be the better option, but if you prefer a deeper key press, the Outemu Crystal switch may be more suitable.
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 $2.99.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Cheese linear switch offers a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, with descriptors such as chirpy and high-pitched, giving it a distinct acoustic signature. Depending on personal preference, the Cheese may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, while the Crystal may suit those looking for a quieter option.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a light actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a fairly elastic type feel with a medium-light weight, resulting in a unique and linear typing experience. With a polished finish, the Crystal switch offers smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. It is important to note that feel is subjective and can vary depending on the user's preferences.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch provides a more tactile and audible typing experience with its clacky and crispy sound profile, while the Crystal switch offers a quieter typing experience with its neutral sound profile and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, both switches are known for their quality and reliability, so users can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize an ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound profile, the HMX Cheese switches would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a unique, linear experience and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a lighter switch with a distinct sound or a medium-light switch with a smooth typing feel. Consider these factors when making your final selection.
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