HMX Cheese vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and HMX Deep Navy both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences, despite being categorized as linear switches. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, boasting an ultra-light feel that makes it lighter than 90% of all switches. Its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature adds a delightful auditory dimension to typing that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy stands out with its rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction, providing a sturdier feel. The Ly stem ensures silky smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. While both switches deliver excellent performance, your choice may come down to how much you value auditory feedback versus a refined tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cheese Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$5.50

$3.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the HMX Cheese and HMX Deep Navy keyboards are fundamentally the same, with both switches featuring nylon for their top and bottom housings. This uniformity in material results in comparable typing experiences across the two models. As noted in their descriptions, nylon is known for its softer plastic characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The properties of nylon allow it to absorb sound efficiently, leading to a typing experience that is described as duller and rounder compared to switches made from harder plastics. Consequently, users of both the Cheese and Deep Navy will experience a consistent auditory feedback while typing, thanks to the identical housing materials.

In terms of functionality, both the HMX Cheese and HMX Deep Navy exhibit similar performance characteristics due to their identical nylon top and bottom housings. This means that when typing on either switch, users will notice an equally balanced sound and feel as they bottom out on the keys. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during key presses, ensuring that both models provide a rewarding typing experience. Likewise, the top housing enhances the sound when releasing the key, maintaining that fuller sound profile that users appreciate. This means that regardless of the aesthetic variations between the two models, the core tactile and auditory properties remain consistent.

While the external designs of the HMX Cheese and HMX Deep Navy may differ, the choice of nylon as a switch housing material ensures that both achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel. This creates a reliable typing experience for users as they can expect the same level of performance from either model. The advantages of nylon in terms of sound absorption and the creation of a cohesive sound profile will be enjoyed by typists regardless of their switch choice. Thus, users can rest assured that both models will deliver a satisfying and comparable experience, underpinned by the inherent qualities of their shared housing material.

Weight

The HMX Cheese and HMX Deep Navy linear switches both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Deep Navy is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches provide a relatively easy keystroke; however, the Deep Navy is overall the lighter option. In terms of typing feel, those who favor a more substantial feedback may find the Cheese’s slightly higher force to their liking, while the Deep Navy's lighter actuation could facilitate more prolonged typing sessions. Overall, while both switches are light and will yield similar results regarding user comfort during extended use, the Deep Navy is the clear choice for those seeking even less resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, the Cheese features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Deep Navy has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, while both switches provide relatively shallow travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Deep Navy is the longer option by a marginal 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize quick response times, the Cheese's shorter distance may offer a more immediate tactile feedback, making it an attractive choice for gamers. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may gravitate toward the Deep Navy, which presents a slightly deeper sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Cheese linear switch delivers a sound profile that is characterized by its clacky, poppy, and crispy qualities, which offers an engaging auditory experience. This switch provides a lively and responsive sound that can make typing feel even more satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch presents a sharp and rich sound profile due to its nylon construction, promoting a more muted yet still pronounced auditory experience. Together, these switches deliver distinct sound identities; however, individual results can vary depending on additional factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap material.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that caters to users seeking gentle, effortless keystrokes. In comparison, the HMX Deep Navy switches offer silky smooth feel with each keypress, primarily attributed to its Ly stem design. Thus, while both switches promote a smooth typing experience, the Cheese leans towards an ultra-light and easy keypress, whereas the Deep Navy balances that smoothness with a different tactile quality derived from its construction.

In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Deep Navy linear switches have unique attributes around sound and feel that can cater to different preferences. The Cheese excels with its lively sound and ultra-smooth typing experience, while the Deep Navy stands out with its rich audio profile and silky touch. Ultimately, both switches provide an excellent tactile experience, albeit with their distinct character—if you are seeking similar results, you can choose based on the specific attributes that appeal to you most.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for sound and typing experience. If you favor a typing experience that feels ultra-smooth and are drawn to a clacky, poppy sound, the HMX Cheese will likely be the ideal switch for you. Its lightweight and bright sound signature makes it a rewarding choice for those who enjoy a playful and engaging auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and richer sound profile paired with silky smooth keystrokes, the HMX Deep Navy is an excellent option. The full nylon construction provides durability and a deep resonance that many users find appealing. Additionally, the slight difference in bottom-out force, with the Cheese at 46 grams and the Deep Navy at 45 grams, suggests that while both offer a light touch, the Cheese may provide a slightly more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lively and crispy sound or a deeper, richer sound with equally smooth operation.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cheese Linear

$5.50

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more