HMX Cheese vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and KTT Lightning mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is known for its speed and approachability, making it ideal for situations where milliseconds can determine success. While the Cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Lightning offers a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the KTT Lightning feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the switches differ is in their top housing material. The Cheese utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the Lightning opts for polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion, making it more suitable for switches with RGB lighting. This contrast in top housing material demonstrates how different materials can impact the overall sound and aesthetic of a switch.
In terms of design and functionality, the choice of housing materials for the HMX Cheese and the KTT Lightning plays a significant role in the typing experience. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, providing a consistent deep and full sound profile, the difference in their top housing materials sets them apart. The nylon top housing of the Cheese creates a softer and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning produces a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction highlights how the material composition of switch housings can greatly influence the overall performance and user experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter force of 46 grams compared to the KTT Lightning linear switch with a heavier force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches will feel the same when initially pressing a key, the HMX Cheese switch will offer a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those looking to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Lightning linear switch which has a travel distance of 3 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, with the Lightning being the shortest of the two. Gamers may prefer the Lightning switch for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter distance to feel abrupt. On the other hand, the Cheese switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of response time and key feel.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
The HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, providing a unique typing experience with unparalleled smoothness. In contrast, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a slick typing feel with a clacky sound signature, making it ideal for situations where speed is crucial. The Cheese switch leans towards a lighter actuation force, while the Lightning switch is designed for quick responsiveness, catering to different preferences in typing experience. Regarding sound, the Cheese switch focuses on a satisfying clacky sound, while the Lightning switch offers a sharp and snappy sound typical of speed switches. When it comes to feel, the Cheese switch lacks specific descriptors, while the Lightning switch offers a subtle resistance and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. Although different in certain aspects, both switches promise a satisfactory typing experience, with the Cheese excelling in smoothness and unique sound, and the Lightning prioritizing speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between HMX Cheese linear switches and KTT Lightning linear switches, you should opt for the Cheese if you prioritize an ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound profile. The HMX Cheese switches offer a smooth and pristine typing experience that is unmatched by many other switches on the market. On the other hand, if you value speed and precision in your typing, the KTT Lightnings are the way to go. These switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference between winning and losing, providing a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should be based on whether you prioritize typing experience or speed in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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