HMX Cheese vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the two mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Orange, you are presented with distinct options to consider. The HMX Cheese switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, coupled with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, making them a great choice for those who prefer a lighter keypress. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch stands out for its clacky linear design, delivering a crisp and audible feedback with each keystroke. These switches are ideal for enthusiasts who desire a responsive and vibrant typing 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
37g
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
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Orange offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The Cheese, with its nylon top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, being a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. This means that typing on the Cheese will provide a more muted and rounder sound, while typing on the Orange will result in a crisper and brighter sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cheese and the Orange use nylon, which means that they will have a similar impact on the overall sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon will absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound when compared to harder plastic materials. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights how the choice of top housing can significantly affect the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch. Therefore, even if the bottom housing is the same, the differences in the top housing material between the Cheese and the Orange will result in distinct typing experiences.
Considering that the housing materials of the Cheese and the Orange are different for both top and bottom, the overall typing experience of each switch will be unique. The bottom housing will play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the overall typing experience when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting housing materials to achieve the desired sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is the heavier option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Orange is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams. The bottom out force for the Orange is unknown. The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, with a lighter force being advantageous for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the bottom out force indicates the pressure needed to press a key all the way down, resulting in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. In this case, choosing the Cheese switch would provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the lighter feel of the Orange switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals looking for fast response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper feel when pressing a key, the Jerrzi Orange switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, making them suitable options for those in search of a compact and responsive keyboard 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 $3.99.
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a lively auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch offers a more subdued yet still crisp and clacky sound, giving a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Cheese being more vibrant and the Orange being slightly more muted.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a lightweight feel that is smooth to the touch. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Cheese switch provides a smooth and consistent feel, the Orange switch prioritizes a light and effortless typing experience, catering to users who prefer a more gentle keypress.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Orange linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch delivers a clacky and poppy sound with smooth keypresses, while the Orange switch provides a subdued yet still crisp sound with feathery and easy-to-press keypresses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and typing feel, but rest assured that both options will provide a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and ultra-light switch with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and responsive switch with a crisp and audible feedback, the Jerrzi Orange switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and the feeling you want when typing to make the best choice between these two linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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