HMX Cheese vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Cheese and the TTC Ice, both of which are linear switches that offer unique advantages. The HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a typing experience that is both clacky and poppy, providing an ultra-light feel that’s perfect for quick typing sessions. Lighter than 90% of typical switches, it presents a distinct auditory charm that many users appreciate. In contrast, the TTC Ice distinguishes itself with its visually striking transparent design, delivering a smooth, responsive feel along with a satisfying bottom-out sound. This makes it a versatile choice, equally suited for gaming marathons or everyday tasks. While both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, they each bring their own flavor to the mechanical keyboard experience. 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
60g
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
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and TTC Ice switches showcase distinct sound profiles and acoustic properties, stemming from the different plastics used. The Cheese features nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics lead to a sharper, more resonant sound profile that enhances clarity. This difference indicates that while the Cheese will elicit a warmer sound, the Ice will provide an upper register that may be more pleasing to those who prefer a crisper keystroke.
Both switches, despite their contrasting materials, ultimately serve similar functional purposes. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when the switch is bottomed out, both the Cheese and the Ice will provide a tactile experience upon actuation that aligns with their respective sound profiles. Users can expect the Cheese to offer a more muted and rounded tactile feedback, while the Ice's feedback will feel more pronounced and sharper. This variance extends to aesthetics as well, with the translucent polycarbonate of the Ice facilitating RGB lighting effects, which enhances visual appeal during use, while the nylon housing of the Cheese may not have the same level of light transmission.
When considering a switch for a specific typing experience, the choice between the HMX Cheese and TTC Ice boils down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. If both top and bottom housings of a switch feature the same material, a unified sound characteristic would prevail. However, in cases like these where materials differ, owners may appreciate the blended sensory experience. In the case of the Cheese and the Ice, their individual acoustic profiles result in switches that cater to various preferences, ensuring that users can find the sound and feel that best matches their typing style and aesthetic desires.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Ice switch a better choice for those who enjoy a more substantial and resistant typing experience. Consequently, while both switches provide effective performance, the Cheese is designed for lighter usage, whereas the Ice caters to users looking for a firmer push feel during keystrokes. As a result, typists and gamers can select their preferred switch based on the force characteristics that align with their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, it's clear that the Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ice has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter option, which might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the Ice, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a greater depth when pressing keys. Both switches would yield similar responsiveness due to their proximity in travel distance, but users who favor a softer landing might be inclined to choose the Ice for its more pronounced depth. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences for switch feel and responsiveness.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese switch is characterized by its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it stand out as a lively option for typing. This auditory quality not only enhances the typing experience but also adds a layer of satisfaction, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate distinct acoustic feedback. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch offers a more subtle auditory profile with a satisfying bottom-out sound that is smooth and responsive. While the Cheese produces a more vibrant sound, the Ice caters to those seeking a balanced, refined acoustics that suits both gaming and everyday tasks. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard build, such as the materials used in the board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that is fluid and free of friction. This feature makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless keypress without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch also delivers a smooth and responsive feel, which is perfect for both gaming and daily typing. While both switches excel in providing a fine tactile experience, the Cheese's ultra-lightweight design, being lighter than 90% of switches, may appeal more to those who prefer a feather-light touch, whereas the Ice strikes a balance that maintains a solid, reliable feel during prolonged use.
Considering the available information, both the HMX Cheese and TTC Ice linear switches present compelling options for different user preferences. The Cheese delivers a more pronounced sound coupled with unparalleled smoothness, ideal for those who delight in an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Ice offers a more refined sound and a smooth action suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. Ultimately, choosing between them will boil down to individual tastes and how much weight one places on sound versus feel, ensuring that you can find satisfaction in both switches under the right conditions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between HMX Cheese and TTC Ice linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer an ultra-light touch and enjoy a smooth, low-resistance keypress with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switches are likely the better fit for you. They excel in providing a pristine typing experience that feels effortlessly responsive, making them great for typing long documents or engaging in intense gaming sessions where rapid key presses are advantageous. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a clearer, more resonant sound with every keystroke, the TTC Ice switches might be the ideal choice. Their crystal-clear design and responsive characteristics offer a premium feel suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, catering to those who prefer a bit more resistance and depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your style and needs—whether you seek ultra-light, effortless key presses with a fun sound profile or a more substantial, satisfying action with a premium sound.
Mentioned in this article
