HMX Cheese vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and KTT Miaowu are two options that stand out. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a league of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches on the market. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to KTT's latest molds and the use of POK in its stem. The Miaowu switch is known for its bouncy and clacky characteristics, providing a unique typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Miaowu switches offer some distinct differences in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Miaowu features a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. While the Cheese's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, the Miaowu also uses nylon for its bottom housing, keeping a consistent deep and full sound throughout the switch.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the HMX Cheese and the KTT Miaowu switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a deep and fuller sound profile, thanks to the absorbing qualities of nylon. However, the unique sound profiles created by the top housing materials will still differentiate the two switches in terms of sharpness and pitch. This demonstrates how a switch's overall sound can be influenced by the combination of different housing materials in its construction.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of carefully selecting housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile and tactile feedback in mechanical switches like the HMX Cheese and the KTT Miaowu.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch are both 43 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cheese requires 46 grams, while the Miaowu requires 50 grams, making the Miaowu slightly heavier in terms of pressing all the way down. The Cheese is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, which may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Miaowu provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of both switches is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, giving you the same tactile feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, whether you choose the Cheese or the Miaowu, you can expect to get similar results in terms of 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 $3.99.
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, but the Cheese switch is known for its ultra-light feel, while the Miaowu switch leverages POK in its stem for enhanced stability and smoother keystroke action, setting it apart from others.
As for feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. While specific details about the feel of the Miaowu linear switch are not available, it is described as having a bouncy feedback sensation, providing a spring-like or elastic feel when typing. This lively feel can offer users a unique tactile experience that sets it apart from switches with a more traditional feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch is known for its ultra-light feel and satisfying sound signature, the Miaowu switch stands out for its enhanced stem stability and bouncy feedback sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer distinctive options that can cater to a wide range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value an ultra-light switch with a smooth and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound signature, the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with enhanced stem stability, smoother keystroke action, and a bouncy feel, the KTT Miaowu switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
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