HMX Cheese vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and HMX Lucky stand out as two compelling options within the linear category. The HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unmatched smoothness and a typing experience that feels both light and responsive; its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature adds a unique auditory dimension that many enthusiasts find appealing. Weighing in as one of the lightest options available—lighter than 90% of all switches—it provides an effortless typing experience perfect for fast-paced gaming and quick typing tasks. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches boast softer, glittery nylon housings that promote a well-rounded and satisfying typing feel, creating an inviting atmosphere for both everyday use and extended typing sessions. While the Cheese excels in its crisp auditory feedback and ultra-light nature, the Lucky offers a more neutral and comforting touch that many typists prefer. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences, but however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cheese Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Cheese and HMX Lucky switches share a commonality in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material contributes to a unique audio profile characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its softer texture compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. As a result, both switches generate a muted, round sound signature that will likely appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Consequently, users of both types will enjoy a similar acoustic ambiance, as both switches will capture the essence of nylon’s sound-dampening qualities.

When examining the impact of the nylon material on the switches' performance, it's essential to highlight that both the Cheese and Lucky switches exhibit similar characteristics due to their identical housing compositions. The soft nature of nylon enhances the typing experience in both cases, as the material's abilities to absorb sound and provide feedback will result in comparable bottom-out sounds and tactile sensations. Since the top housing affects the sound upon releasing a key, and the bottom housing influences the sound upon a bottom-out, users can expect a harmonious auditory experience when using either switch.

Despite retaining the same housing material, users may still notice slight differences in feel and sound, attributed to variations in other design elements or manufacturing processes. If the top and bottom housings were different—though they are not in this case—one could expect a more-divided sound profile, with each housing contributing its characteristics distinctly. However, since both the HMX Cheese and HMX Lucky switches employ nylon in both housings, they will provide a consistent and cohesive auditory experience throughout use, ensuring satisfaction for those seeking a balanced blend of sound and feel in their typing endeavors.

Weight

The HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ in their specific measurements. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Lucky switch requires less force to actuate, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Cheese offers a slightly heavier feel, which may be preferred by users looking for a more substantial keystroke without being overly taxing. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Lucky is the lighter option with lower force metrics, making it better suited for users seeking less resistance in their typing experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Cheese switch may provide a more responsive feel, making it a better choice for gamers who favor quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Lucky switch, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience and deeper keystrokes. Therefore, if you lean towards a snappier feel, the HMX Cheese would be the shorter option, whereas the HMX Lucky, with its additional 0.3 mm of travel, would cater to those seeking a more pronounced depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Cheese linear switch delivers an engaging sound profile characterized by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy tone that distinguishes it from many other switches. This lively auditory feedback contributes to a more dynamic typing experience, making each keystroke feel pronounced and enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch is not specifically described in terms of sound, but it benefits from its nylon housings, which typically tend to produce a more muted and subdued sound. While the Cheese offers a more prominent auditory experience, the overall sound performance of both switches can ultimately depend on factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.

When it comes to the feel, the HMX Cheese stands out for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that enhances the pleasure of each keystroke. Its ultra-light design makes it easy to press down on the keys, ensuring that each action feels effortless and fluid. Conversely, the HMX Lucky is noted for its neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, thanks to its softer nylon housings. While the exact tactile sensation of the Lucky isn't detailed, its design suggests it aims to provide comfort and stability without any harshness.

In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and HMX Lucky linear switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences. The Cheese is ideal for those who appreciate a lively and pronounced sound combined with an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Lucky could appeal to users seeking a more neutral typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, and the choice between them will largely come down to individual taste regarding sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch depends on your personal preferences for both tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience paired with a satisfying clacky, poppy sound, the Cheese switch may be the right fit for you. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 46 grams gives you a bit more feedback which can be enjoyable for those who love a louder, more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, neutral typing feel with a more subtle sound signature, the Lucky switch would be an excellent choice. With its lighter bottom-out force of 43 grams and a softer nylon housing, you can experience a deeply satisfying yet less pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you desire an engaging and expressive sound with a responsive feel or a more understated and smooth typing experience that fits seamlessly into various typing styles.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cheese Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more