HMX Cheese vs. KTT F2
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT F2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT F2 stand out as popular choices. The HMX Cheese switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT F2 switches boast a distinct hollow sound signature, setting them apart in the auditory realm. Their medium-light weightiness ensures a comfortable typing experience, with each keystroke offering a lightly textured feel. The F2 switches are categorized as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle', providing a versatile option for different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT F2, we can see that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cheese features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the F2 uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their housing materials, the Cheese emphasizes a rounder sound profile while the F2 prioritizes clarity and resonance.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT F2 both play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. The nylon material in the Cheese creates a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate material in the F2 produces a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the F2's housing allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the typing experience. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences, with the Cheese offering a more mellow typing experience and the F2 providing a crisper and more defined sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the KTT F2 housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The nylon housing in the Cheese delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, ideal for those seeking a softer typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing in the F2 offers a sharper and more resonant sound, appealing to users looking for a clearer and crisper typing feel. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch both have the same actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cheese has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the F2's heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. The lighter bottom out force of the Cheese may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the F2's heavier bottom out force may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, ensuring that users will get consistent results when it comes to triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience with both switches should be similar in terms of tactile feedback and key travel. Since their travel distances are equal, there is no significant difference between the two switches in this aspect.
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 F2 comes in at $3.90 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 satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT F2 linear switch provides a distinct hollow sound that adds a unique auditory element to typing. While the Cheese switch is known for its lighter actuation force requirement, the F2 switch falls into the category of a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of use cases. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience that is sure to impress users. Meanwhile, the KTT F2 linear switch provides a lightly textured feel with a medium-light weightiness that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. The Cheese switch can be characterized as feathery with its exceptionally light actuation force, while the F2 switch falls into the category of mild and subtle, offering a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a tactile nuance to typing that enhances the overall experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese linear switch and KTT F2 linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky and crispy sound of the Cheese switch or the hollow sound of the F2 switch, both options offer a comfortable typing experience with distinct qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific use case for the keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more poppy sound profile, the Cheese may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a distinct hollow sound and a lightly textured feel, the F2 may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best fits your typing needs and preferences.
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