HMX Cheese vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Durock Light Tactile switches stand out as unique options to explore. The HMX Cheese switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart as a linear switch. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a gentle tactility that is a contrast to sharper tactile switches, offering an angelic tactility and jelly-like sound when typing. While the HMX Cheese switch is lighter and known for its smoothness, the Durock Light Tactile switch is appreciated for its gentle tactility. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and Durock Light Tactile both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which creates a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Cheese offers a duller and rounder sound, the Light Tactile provides a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both housings contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience by influencing the sound produced by the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Cheese and Durock Light Tactile utilize nylon as the material of choice. This classic switch housing material adds to the deep and fuller sound profile of the switches, as nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound effectively. Whether typing on the Cheese or the Light Tactile, users can expect a consistent dull and round sound experience due to the nylon bottom housing. Although the materials used for the top housings differ between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar sound profile when typing on either switch.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the HMX Cheese and Durock Light Tactile, it is evident that the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a distinct keypress experience, with the bottom housing impacting the sound and feel upon bottoming out the key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Despite having different top housings (nylon for Cheese and polycarbonate for Light Tactile), the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for both switches. Whether opting for the deeper and fuller sound of the Cheese or the sharper and crisper sound of the Light Tactile, users can enjoy a unique sound profile tailored to their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter overall. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Cheese offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless key press, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Light Tactile provides a more substantial typing feel with a heavier force required to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force required for optimal performance.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more satisfying keypress 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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making typing on them a truly unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a gentle tactility paired with a jelly-like sound profile, creating a soothing typing sound that is sure to please those looking for a quieter switch option. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a unique level of comfort during typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. Additionally, the Polished descriptor of the Light Tactile switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek key travel experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch provides a clacky and poppy sound with unparalleled smoothness, the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Moreover, with their respective descriptors of Light and Mild, these switches fall into the lighter end of the switch spectrum, offering a comfortable typing experience for a wide range of users. Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Cheese and Durock Light Tactile switches, users can expect consistent quality and performance in their typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with unparalleled smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch is your best bet. However, if you prefer a more moderate to heavy bottom out force and a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and will enhance your typing experience.
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