HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. Additionally, these ultra-light switches stand out for being lighter than 90% of all switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches are eye-catching with their glow-in-the-dark feature, offering a medium heft and smooth, bouncy typing feel. They also produce a unique sound profile described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." While the Cheese switch provides a smooth and light typing experience, the Luciola switch offers a more tactile and visually appealing option. 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
55g
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
3.60 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Luciola, we can see that both switches use unique materials to create distinct sound profiles. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they both contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Cheese and Luciola switches also showcase the differences in their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Cheese produces a deeper and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola delivers a higher-pitched sound that is satisfyingly clacky. Despite the difference in sound characteristics, both housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall auditory experience of the switches.
When examining switches with different top and bottom housing materials, it becomes clear that each component influences specific aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of the unique housing materials in the HMX Cheese and Gateron Luciola allows for a diverse range of sound profiles that cater to individual preferences in typing sound and feel. Ultimately, whether Nylon or INK blend, both materials enhance the overall typing experience in their own distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter while the Luciola is heavier. 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 Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium option. The Cheese provides a softer typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom out force, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions where lightness is preferred. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a more substantial push feel due to its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Gateron Luciola switch more to their liking, while individuals who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the shorter travel distance of the HMX Cheese switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a compact travel distance that caters to the preferences of different users, allowing for a customized typing experience based on individual preferences.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 is best known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as having a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile, which sets it apart with its bouncy and smooth typing feel. The Cheese switch offers a sharp and percussive sound, while the Luciola switch provides a more resonant and unique sound experience. When it comes to sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cheese switch focusing on a crisp and bright sound, and the Luciola switch emphasizing a more unique and resonant tone.
When considering the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as having a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The Cheese switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the Luciola switch offers a super responsive and polished typing sensation. Both switches offer different feelings when pressed, with the Cheese switch focusing on a smooth and uniform typing experience, and the Luciola switch delivering a more responsive and polished feel.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a satisfyingly clacky sound and smooth typing experience, the Luciola switch stands out for its bouncy and unique sound profile, as well as a responsive and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing experiences, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, by choosing either switch, users can expect to achieve a high-quality typing experience with similar results in terms of smoothness, precision, and overall performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the bottom out force and typing experience you prefer. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound signature, then the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a distinctive glow-in-the-dark feature and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and aesthetics.
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