HMX Cheese vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is known for its subdued nature, offering a gentle and soft typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile. While the HMX Cheese switch is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Meteor White switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different types of users. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Meteor White are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, thanks to the use of nylon in their housing materials.
However, despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may still be differences in the overall sound and feel of the switches. This is because if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing tends to have more of an 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. These subtle variations may result in a slightly different typing experience between the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Meteor White.
Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Meteor White ensure that both switches offer a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a unique typing feel that is preferred by many enthusiasts. While there may be slight differences in sound and feel depending on the specific top and bottom housing materials used, the overall qualities of nylon ensure that users can expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience from both switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch differ in a few key ways. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Meteor White, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Meteor White has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Cheese has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 46 grams. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Cheese being better suited for longer typing sessions due to its lighter weight, while the Meteor White provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch may be preferred by gamers for its faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Meteor White switch may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Cheese switch being more responsive and the Meteor White switch offering a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, we find that the Cheese switch offers a more satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound profile, while the Meteor White switch provides a more subdued and pitter-patter sound. The Cheese switch gives a unique ultra-light typing experience with a crisp sound, whereas the Meteor White switch offers a gentle and soft sound profile. Both switches have their own distinct sound characteristics, catering to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese switch boasts unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both provide a unique typing experience. The Cheese switch stands out for its ultra-light and satisfyingly clacky sound, while the Meteor White switch offers a more subdued and gentle sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cheese switch excels in smoothness and typing experience, while the Meteor White switch provides a polished and mild typing feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light bottom out force, a smooth typing experience, and a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, a gentle typing experience, and a subdued pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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