HMX Cheese vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Durock Lupine mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch stands out for its two-stage long springs, offering a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. With a classic clacky sound profile, these linear switches provide a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the Durock Lupine switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Durock Lupine both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. However, the Cheese's nylon top housing contrasts with the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing, as the polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile for the Lupine, especially when using RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both the Cheese and Lupine utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinction in top housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material in the Lupine's top housing makes it particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, such as in the Cheese and Lupine, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can lead to a unique typing experience for each switch, with the Cheese offering a deeper and fuller sound and the Lupine providing a crisper and clearer sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Cheese switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. On the other hand, the Lupine switch is heavier, with an actuation force that is unknown and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Cheese switch more comfortable for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Lupine switch for a stronger typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Cheese being the shorter of the two. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cheese with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Lupine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing 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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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 comparing the sound qualities of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the Cheese offers a more satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile. In contrast, the Lupine provides a neutral sound with moderate actuation force requirements and a moderate profile. However, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Cheese leaning towards a more distinct sound signature and the Lupine offering a more versatile option suitable for various purposes.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cheese is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, but specific descriptors are unknown. On the other hand, the Lupine is described as offering a gentle and polished typing experience. The Lupine's two-stage long springs provide a unique feel with a consistent weight distribution on pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. While the Cheese's feel characteristics are not specified, both switches likely offer a comfortable typing experience with their distinct features.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch each have their own unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cheese excels in providing a distinct clacky sound profile and smooth typing experience, while the Lupine offers a versatile neutral sound and a gentle, polished feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound with ultra-light switches or a more versatile switch with a two-stage spring design, both options promise a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you prefer. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a two-stage spring design for a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful rebound, the Lupine switch might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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