HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Jupiter Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience, but with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation, providing a satisfying clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red boasts a medium-heavy actuation with a single-stage spring, offering a seamless and consistent typing experience with softer backlight effects. While the Cheese switch is lighter and offers a poppy sound, the Jupiter Red switch provides a more polished and creamy typing feel. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Jupiter Red, we can see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the top housing materials contrast between the two switches, with the Cheese featuring a nylon top housing and the Jupiter Red utilizing polycarbonate. While both materials have their own attributes, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Red creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, which is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. The top housing impacts the sound when the key is released, providing a distinct auditory feedback compared to the bottom housing.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Jupiter Red offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to their choice of housing materials. The impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the softer, more absorbent nylon of the Cheese or the stiffer, clearer polycarbonate of the Jupiter Red, each housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch in its own way.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch. The actuation force of 43 grams for the Cheese is slightly lower than the 45 grams needed for the Jupiter Red, making the Cheese lighter in this aspect. Additionally, the bottom out force of 46 grams for the Cheese is lower than the 60 grams required for the Jupiter Red, showing that the Cheese is also lighter in this aspect. This means that the Cheese will require less force to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down compared to the Jupiter Red. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Cheese more suitable, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Jupiter Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Red to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual user.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 provides a distinctively clacky, poppy, and crispy sound, giving a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that suits various typing environments. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is noted for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with every keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance during key travel. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing feel, but the Jupiter Red switch may appeal more to those seeking a sleek and buttery sensation while typing.
Considering the information provided, the HMX Cheese linear switch excels in providing a unique sound profile and an ultra-light typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a crisp and clacky feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a seamless and consistent typing experience with a focus on smoothness and refined key travel. Ultimately, both switches prioritize user comfort and satisfaction, with the Cheese switch emphasizing a distinct sound profile and lighter actuation, while the Jupiter Red switch prioritizes a polished and creamy typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique clacky sound and ultra-smooth typing experience, the HMX Cheese may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a smooth, polished typing experience and high-precision molds, the Gateron Jupiter Red could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal typing style and preference for bottom out force and sound profile. Both switches offer a great typing experience, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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