HMX Cheese vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX cheese and the TTC gold pink mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX cheese is lauded for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. In contrast, the TTC gold pink stands out for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, providing a fast and effortless typing experience perfect for rapid typing or gaming. While the HMX cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, the gold pink offers a light and lively typing experience with a satisfying level of feedback. The HMX cheese is categorized as smooth, while the gold pink is categorized as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Pink, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity suggests that typing on both switches will result in a duller and rounder sound, providing a consistent experience in terms of sound quality.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the HMX Cheese uses nylon while the TTC Gold Pink utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Cheese will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Pink which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material highlights how the choice of top housing can significantly impact the overall sound quality and user experience of a switch.
Overall, while the bottom housing of both the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Pink shares the same nylon material, the difference in their top housing materials results in varying sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Cheese creates a different sound experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Pink. These differences showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the sound output and typing experience of mechanical switches, offering users a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch to the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall on the lighter end of the spectrum. The actuation force of the Cheese is slightly heavier at 43 grams compared to the Gold Pink's 37 grams, while the bottom out force of the Cheese is 46 grams and the Gold Pink is 45 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Those who prefer a slightly firmer feel may lean towards the Cheese with its slightly higher actuation force, while others may find the Gold Pink's lighter actuation force more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and whether a slightly heavier or lighter touch is desired.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch. The Cheese offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch provides a bit more depth to each key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and responsiveness, so ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference.
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 Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switch also delivers a clacky sound but is described as light and lively, making it ideal for quick and effortless typing sessions. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the subtle differences in the sound characteristics may appeal to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing sensation, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle and light typing feel that is comfortable and suitable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a range of qualities that cater to different typing preferences, with the Gold Pink switch emphasizing lightness and ease of use while the Cheese switch focuses on smoothness and precision.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table, offering distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cheese switch provides a satisfyingly clacky sound and unparalleled smoothness, while the Gold Pink switch delivers a light and lively typing feel with a buttery and polished touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer top-notch quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers and experienced mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you value 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 right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and lively typing experience with a 45g bottom out force and a fast feedback, the TTC Gold Pink switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences, whether you prioritize smoothness and crispiness or a buttery and feathery feel in your typing.
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