HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Gateron Glory Red both stand out as excellent linear options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Cheese switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness and a distinctively clacky, poppy sound signature, providing an enticing auditory experience alongside their ultra-light feel—lighter than 90% of all switches. This makes them a great choice for typists who crave a delicate touch and an engaging acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switches excel with their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, delivering a consistently enjoyable typing experience. Best suited for those who appreciate a slightly more grounded and consistent feel without sacrificing performance, the Glory Red switches can be a wonderful companion for everyday tasks and gaming alike. Both switches have their unique strengths, and the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cheese and Gateron Glory Red switches, both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which leads to striking similarities in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. Nylon is well-regarded in the keyboard enthusiast community for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, users of both switches can expect a rich sound while typing, enhancing the overall tactile feedback that many users seek in mechanical keyboards.
Despite the identical use of nylon for both the HMX Cheese and Gateron Glory Red, subtle distinctions may exist in other switch attributes that influence overall performance. While the material properties are the same, the specific design and internal mechanisms within the switches might differ, potentially affecting factors like actuation force and key travel distance. Therefore, while users can expect comparable sound quality due to the nylon housings, the overall experience may vary slightly based on these additional design elements that dictate how each switch feels during use.
Moreover, the impact of the housing materials can be explored in terms of their contributions to both sound and tactile feedback. As previously mentioned, the bottom housing will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing affects the key release sound. Given that both the HMX Cheese and Gateron Glory Red feature identical nylon compositions, the resultant acoustic performance upon key presses and releases should demonstrate a similar character, providing users with a very consistent typing experience. Consequently, whether one opts for the Cheese or the Glory Red, the auditory and tactile results will largely mirror each other thanks to the shared housing material.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch exhibit some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese switch requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, which can contribute to less finger fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, making it an excellent option for users seeking a comfortable experience. In contrast, the Glory Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. While the Cheese switch has a bottom out force of 46 grams, indicating a definitive endpoint in keystroke depression, the bottom out force for the Glory Red switch remains unknown. Therefore, if we consider only the known values, the HMX Cheese switch is the lighter option with a consistent force, while the Gateron Glory Red offers a heavier actuation feel but leaves some uncertainty regarding its bottom out experience. Overall, users’ preferences will dictate which switch suits them better based on the desired typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Cheese will provide a slightly shorter distance compared to the Glory Red, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who prefer quicker actuation. However, for those who favor a more substantial feel when typing, the Glory Red's longer travel distance could offer a more satisfying depth. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Cheese is the better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper keypress, the Glory Red would be more suitable. Overall, the difference is minimal, but it could influence your decision based on your typing or gaming preferences.
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 Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch showcases a unique auditory profile that is characterized by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This quality sets it apart and adds a delightful auditory layer to the typing experience. On the other hand, while specific sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch are not detailed, it is known for delivering a smooth keystroke. Users can expect a quieter and more subdued sound compared to the Cheese, although the total auditory experience can still vary depending on the board and keycaps used.
When considering the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. These switches are ultra-light, making them feel effortlessly responsive and providing a very light touch, which can be enjoyable for fast typists or gamers. The Gateron Glory Red, while also emphasizing a smooth keystroke, provides a pleasing travel distance that further enhances the typing experience. Although both switches promote smoothness, the Cheese's ultra-light nature might offer a more distinct sensation of ease compared to the slightly heavier and firmer feel that the Glory Red may present.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Gateron Glory Red linear switches cater to users seeking smooth typing experiences but do so in varied ways. The Cheese offers a distinctive sound profile and is the lighter option, making it particularly attractive for those who appreciate a clacky auditory experience combined with an ultra-light feel. Meanwhile, the Glory Red focuses on a smoother keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, appealing to users who prioritize a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, and personal preference will play a significant role in choosing between them based on sound and tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing experience and enjoy a clacky, poppy sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the HMX Cheese switch would be an ideal choice for you. Its light actuation force of 46 grams makes it particularly suitable for those who prefer effortless typing and gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue over extended sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a solid all-around switch that provides a smooth keystroke and a comfortable travel distance without the specific sound signature of the Cheese, the Gateron Glory Red might be more appealing. While its exact bottom-out force is unknown, it is renowned for delivering an enjoyable typing experience, making it a great option for both typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a quieter setup. By considering factors like sound, feel, and your overall typing style, you can decide which switch best suits your needs.
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