HMX Cheese vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Huano Grape Orange both offer linear experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a delightful sound signature, characterized by a clacky, poppy, and crispy feel, making it a favorite among users who appreciate auditory feedback and a lighter touch; with its weight being lighter than 90% of all switches, it ensures an incredibly effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange shines with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, perfect for prolonged typing sessions, providing a similarly light feel but with an emphasis on extended comfort over sound. Both switches deliver exceptional user experiences, but they embody distinct qualities that may appeal to different typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Huano Grape Orange switches present a compelling comparison between nylon and polycarbonate. The Cheese's top housing, which is made of nylon, is characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile owing to the softer nature of the plastic. Nylon's sound-absorbing properties allow it to produce a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it appealing for users who prefer a more subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Grape Orange's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it ideal for an auditory experience that highlights clarity and precision, particularly beneficial in environments where feedback is essential.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality results in similarities in sound profiles for the bottom-out experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches means that when a user bottoms out, they will experience the fuller and deeper sound characteristics inherent to the nylon material. This implies that regardless of the contrast in top housing materials, users of both switches will enjoy a similar sensation when the keys are fully pressed down due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon.
When considering how each material affects the typing experience, it's crucial to acknowledge the distinct influences of the top and bottom housings. The Nylon top of the HMX Cheese complements its bottom housing by reinforcing the fuller sound quality, while the polycarbonate top of the Huano Grape Orange adds a crispness that balances out the depth of the nylon bottom. This interplay means that users will enjoy a well-rounded auditory experience across both switches, albeit with varied tonal qualities resulting from their different top housings. Together, the combinations of nylon and polycarbonate lead to unique typing experiences that cater to different user preferences while maintaining certain auditory characteristics due to their shared material in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, both offer lightweight actuation forces suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Grape Orange presents an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Grape Orange is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. However, the Grape Orange has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Cheese, with a difference of 4 grams at bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter switch overall, the Grape Orange could provide a gentler keystroke feel, while the Cheese offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches lean toward the lighter side, but the Grape Orange stands out due to its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we find that the Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Grape Orange measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a bit more travel before the key bottoms out, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience or a greater sense of depth while typing. Conversely, the HMX Cheese's shorter distance might be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Both switches cater to different user preferences: if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Cheese is the better choice, while those favoring a deeper feel might opt for the Grape Orange. Overall, while the difference in travel distance is minimal, it illustrates the diverging preferences in key switch design.
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 $3.99.
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that contributes to an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. This sound profile ensures that each keystroke has a pleasant, pronounced feedback, making it not only functional but also engaging for the user. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is not specifically described in terms of sound, leaving some ambiguity about its auditory characteristics. However, one can infer that, being a linear switch, it is likely to produce a smoother and quieter sound compared to tactile or clicky options. Ultimately, the sound experience will also depend heavily on the specific keyboard setup, such as the choice of board and keycaps, which affect resonance and amplification.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness, contributing to a pristine typing experience that enhances overall comfort. Users may find that the fluidity of the keypress allows for rapid typing with minimal resistance. The Grape Orange switches also boast an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, facilitated by their ultra-low 40g actuation force, which makes them a great choice for extended typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches prioritize low actuation force and ease of use, the Cheese may offer a distinct textural advantage due to its superior smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Huano Grape Orange linear switches are designed to provide a light and smooth typing experience, making them optimal choices for users who prioritize comfort and performance. While the Cheese stands out with its unique sound signature and unparalleled smoothness, the Grape Orange holds its own with its notably low actuation force, catering to those seeking effortless key presses for long durations. The decision may ultimately boil down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both switches promise a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switches and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches, consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a typing experience filled with smoothness and enjoy a sound signature that is clacky, poppy, and crispy, then the HMX Cheese switches will likely suit you well. Their ultra-light bottom-out force of 46 grams not only enhances the tactile sensation but also makes for an exceedingly enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who appreciate expressive audio feedback. On the other hand, if your focus is on an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, particularly for long typing sessions where fatigue might set in, the Huano Grape Orange switches may be your best bet. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams and a remarkable actuation force of just 40 grams, they strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, allowing you to type for hours without discomfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and how you plan to utilize your keyboard, as both switches offer unique advantages catering to different needs.
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