HMX Cheese vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and TTC Flaming Purple both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-lightweight design, providing a satisfyingly clacky and crispy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character and bassy undertones, offering a feather-light bottom-out force for effortless typing. While both switches have their strengths, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the TTC Flaming Purple, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon, due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a distinct typing experience for users of either switch.
On the other hand, the top housing of the Cheese features nylon, while the Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate. This contrast in materials yields different sound profiles for each switch. The Cheese produces a softer and more muffled sound, whereas the Flaming Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple adds a level of clarity and resonance to the typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the HMX Cheese and TTC Flaming Purple highlights the importance of understanding the impact of different plastics on sound profiles. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the differentiation in their top housing materials results in distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Cheese or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple, each switch offers a unique sonic profile that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that both switches are fairly similar in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. The Cheese has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 42 grams, but the Flaming Purple has a slightly higher bottom out force of 47 grams compared to the Cheese's 46 grams. Both switches fall within the light force category, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Overall, while there is a small difference in force between the two switches, users can expect comparable results in terms of feel and performance.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Flaming Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. Gamers who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Cheese with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Flaming Purple. Overall, both switches provide relatively short travel distances, offering a quick and efficient typing or gaming experience.
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 Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch provides a resonant and slightly bassier auditory experience with a touch of poppy undertones. The sound profile of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycap choice, so it's crucial to consider these elements when selecting a switch based on sound preference.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch's tactile experience is not explicitly described, but the TTC Flaming Purple switch is characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky. This indicates that the Flaming Purple switch offers a lightweight and responsive typing feel, reducing finger fatigue and providing a smooth typing experience. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel, with the Cheese switch remaining a bit more mysterious in its tactile feedback.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a smooth typing experience with a distinctive sound profile, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its feathery nature and engaging poppy undertones. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Remember to consider all aspects of your mechanical keyboard setup, including keycaps and keyboard build, to fully optimize your typing experience.
Conclusion
Overall, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and pristine typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch with its ultra-light 46g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly bassier sound profile and a feathery typing feel that is effortless and comfortable for extended typing sessions, the TTC Flaming Purple switch with its resonant character and 47g bottom-out force could be more suited to your taste. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what you value most in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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