HMX Cheese vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Durock Medium Tactile stand out in their own unique ways. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light linear switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a distinctive typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is known for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, offering a unique typing experience. With categories such as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', these tactile switches cater to those who prefer a tactile feedback while typing. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing styles. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Medium Tactile, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials are effective in impacting sound, the nylon top housing of the Cheese produces a rounder sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile offers a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Cheese and the Medium Tactile use nylon. This classic switch housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its soft plastic nature that absorbs sound effectively. With both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent duller and rounder sound experience when typing on either the Cheese or the Medium Tactile. Despite the similar bottom housing materials, the nuanced differences in their top housing materials contribute to varying sound profiles between the two switches, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Understanding how top and bottom housing materials impact the sound profile of a switch is crucial in determining the overall typing experience. While the Cheese and the Medium Tactile share a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials - nylon for the Cheese and polycarbonate for the Medium Tactile - lead to distinct sound characteristics. The top housing material influences the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing affects the sound when pressing down on a key, offering users a variety of sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing experiences, with the choice between nylon and polycarbonate top housings allowing for customization in sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, the Cheese is lighter in both categories. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, which is relatively light compared to the Medium Tactile's unknown actuation force and 65 grams bottom out force, making it medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, the Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cheese being on the shallower end and the Medium Tactile being slightly deeper. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cheese for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the longer travel distance of the Medium Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch stands out for its smooth and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, although the final sound produced will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and lightness, providing a seamless typing experience. The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelmingscratchy, and offers a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that can cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch excels in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactility and jelly-like sound that can enhance typing feedback. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a wonderful typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of quality performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the better option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience or a medium-heavy tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique strengths, so choose based on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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