HMX Cheese vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch. The HMX Cheese switch is favored for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature. In contrast, the TKC Kiwi switch is known for its tactile design, featuring a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press for an enhanced typing experience. While the HMX Cheese switches are lighter and offer a unique typing feel, the TKC Kiwi switches deliver a snappy sound profile and come factory lubed for a smooth typing experience right out of the box. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and TKC Kiwi switches differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles and characteristics. The Cheese's nylon top and bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housing produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks, offering a distinct typing experience. The differences in housing materials between the two switches lead to unique sound and feel when typing on them.
Despite their differences, both the HMX Cheese and TKC Kiwi switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, splitting the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, adding to the overall sound profile of the switch. While the materials may be different, both switches offer a customizable typing experience based on the unique properties of their housing materials.
Overall, the HMX Cheese and TKC Kiwi switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and feel of mechanical keyboards. The Cheese's nylon housing provides a deeper and rounder sound, creating a more subdued typing experience, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE housing offers a brighter and resonant sound, leading to a more lively feel when typing. Both switches offer users the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on personal preferences for sound and feel, highlighting the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cheese would be the preferred choice. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Kiwi would be the better option. It's important to consider these factors when choosing a switch for your keyboard, as weight can greatly impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate actuation and bottom out force will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Cheese offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter distance compared to the Kiwi. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Cheese, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the Kiwi with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 $3.79.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
When comparing the sound of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, the Cheese offers a crisp, clacky sound signature that is light and satisfying, while the Kiwi provides a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that is immersive and snappy. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that can be further influenced by the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, while the Kiwi switch boasts a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. The Cheese switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided, while the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. This means that the Kiwi switch offers a more nuanced tactile feedback with a refined and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch provides a light and satisfying sound with an unparalleled smooth typing experience, while the Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched, snappy sound profile with a medium-strong bump for tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience the user is looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between HMX Cheese linear switches and TKC Kiwi tactile switches, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a light switch with a smooth and poppy sound, the Cheese switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a snappy sound profile and factory lubrication for a smooth typing experience, the Kiwi switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure the best typing experience for you.
Mentioned in this article
