HMX Cheese vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch. The HMX Cheese switch is well-loved for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, offering a unique feel for typists. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch is known for its stunning visual appeal, thanks to its dazzling light diffuser that is perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on Flame Red switches provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. While both switches offer distinct advantages, such as smoothness and sound quality, as well as visual appeal and weighty feel, it is important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best switch for your needs. 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
54g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and TTC Flame Red switches utilize nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches.
However, a key point of contrast between the two switches lies in their color options. The HMX Cheese switch features a cheese-colored top housing, which adds a unique and playful aesthetic to the keyboard. In comparison, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a vibrant red top housing that can give a more fiery and bold look to the keyboard. This distinction in color options allows users to choose a switch that not only meets their typing preferences but also complements the overall design of their setup.
Another notable difference between the HMX Cheese and TTC Flame Red switches is their availability and pricing. While both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing for a deeper sound profile, the Cheese switch may be more readily available or priced differently compared to the Flame Red switch. This variation in availability and pricing could influence users' decisions when selecting a switch for their keyboard, depending on factors such as budget and availability.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the TTC Flame Red linear switch. The Cheese requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Flame Red needs 45 grams to actuate and 54 grams to bottom out, making it slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cheese switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force, providing a sense of stability and control while typing. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the difference lies in the bottom out force, providing users with options based on their preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the TTC Flame Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which can appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when deciding between the two.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, the Cheese is known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch does not have a specific descriptor provided; however, users have reported an ultra-light feel that contributes to the smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch is described as having a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Flame Red switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for users.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a visually stunning light diffuser and a mild, polished typing feel. While the sound and feel of the switches differ slightly based on the available information, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall quality and performance when using either switch on their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize an ultra-light switch with a smooth typing experience and a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you value a backlit, RGB keyboard with a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, then the Flame Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your preference for switch weight, sound profile, and visual aesthetics. Whether you choose the Cheese for its lightness and poppy sound, or the Flame Red for its weighty smoothness and dazzling light diffuser, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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