HMX Cheese vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Gazzew LT, you'll find distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, promising a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, with its enticing lilac hue, offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness during typing. The LT switches also provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, enhancing the overall 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gazzew LT both offer a deep and full sound profile due to their softness. The Cheese utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both components. Both materials absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent and rich sound profile from both switches.
Despite the similarities in sound profile, the Cheese and LT differ in the specific properties of their housing materials. The Cheese's nylon housing is a classic option known for its softer plastic composition, while the LT's Gazzew blend is a proprietary material that has been dubbed "boba plastic" for its unique sound characteristics. While both materials offer a deep and full sound, the specific compositions may impact the overall typing experience in subtle ways. Users may notice variations in sound and feel depending on the material used in each switch.
Additionally, the way in which the top and bottom housing materials are utilized in each switch can also contribute to differences in their performance. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom of the switch may result in nuanced differences in the overall typing experience for users of the HMX Cheese and the Gazzew LT. Despite these distinctions, both switches offer a premium sound profile that enhances the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gazzew LT linear switch. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. In contrast, the LT has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. The difference in force between the two switches can result in varying typing experiences, with the Cheese being more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the LT offers a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. The Cheese switch offers a bit more depth with its 3.5 mm travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the LT switch's 3.2 mm travel distance may feel slightly more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prioritize speed and quick key presses, the Gazzew LT may be the better option. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback while typing, the HMX Cheese switch could be the way to go.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 stands out for its smoothness and lightness, providing a pristine typing experience with a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a deep and resonant thocky sound along with a seamless glide with each keystroke. While the Cheese switch is best known for its lightness and poppy sound, the LT switch excels in delivering a bassy and thocky auditory experience. Both switches bring a unique sound signature to the table, catering to different preferences in sound profiles. As for the feel of the switches, further information is needed to provide a detailed comparison between the two. However, based on the available information, it's clear that both the HMX Cheese and Gazzew LT linear switches offer distinct characteristics in sound that would enhance any typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend heavily on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, you should consider the level of bottom out force you prefer. If you enjoy a light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, smoothness, and ultra-light feel, then the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a deep, resonant thocky sound, as well as a seamless typing experience, then the Gazzew LT switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
