HMX Cheese vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Everglide Crystal Violet stand out as popular options with unique characteristics. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unmatched smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound signature that is both poppy and crispy. These ultra-light linear switches offer a typing experience like no other, making them a favorite for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet is known for its tactile feedback, providing a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a light operating force of 45g. The switches have a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, thanks to the special use of ABS in their housings. While the HMX Cheese excels in its ultra-light and smooth linear feel, the Crystal Violet offers a stepped tactile experience that is relaxed and comfortable. 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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Crystal Violet, it is evident that they both prioritize sound quality in their design. The Cheese utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet incorporates ABS for both its top and bottom housing, providing a relatively low-pitched sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience by absorbing sound, nylon tends to create a more muffled sound compared to the sharper sound produced by ABS.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Crystal Violet offer unique acoustic attributes that cater to specific preferences. The use of nylon in the Cheese's housing contributes to a softer and more absorbing typing experience, resulting in a deeper sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the ABS housing of the Crystal Violet offers a sharper sound profile that may be preferred by individuals looking for a more distinct typing sound. While the materials used may vary, both switches aim to provide an enhanced auditory experience for users.
It is worth noting that the impact of the housing material on the overall typing experience is influenced by whether the top and bottom housings are the same or different for a given switch. If they are the same, as in the case of the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Crystal Violet, the qualities of the material will be evenly distributed throughout the switch. However, if the top and bottom housings differ, each material will offer distinct characteristics to the typing experience - with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and ABS housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, we find that the Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Cheese is lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for weight and feel, as both options offer unique benefits depending on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. Traditional travel distances typically fall within the 4.0 mm range, with 3.0 mm being on the shallower end. Gamers often lean towards switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Cheese a popular choice for gaming. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet may offer a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 known for its unique sound profile, providing a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy typing experience that is unparalleled in smoothness. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a more mellow and low-pitched sound, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cheese switch leaning towards a lighter and more crisp sound, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a gentler and more relaxed typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch does not have a specified descriptor, while the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as offering a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy sensation of the Crystal Violet switch provides a smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the stepped tactile feel of the Crystal Violet switch offers a more gentle typing experience, with a subtle pre-travel and post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Cheese switch provides a crisp and satisfying sound with smooth linear action, the Crystal Violet switch offers a mellow and gentle typing experience with a creamy feel. Depending on individual preference for sound and feel, both switches provide excellent options for a customized typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between HMX Cheese linear switches and Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smoother and lighter keypress with a satisfying sound, the Cheese switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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