HMX Cheese vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Mint offer distinct characteristics for different typing preferences. 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 perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing touch. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is known for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel and a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting type feel, these switches are categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. Ultimately, choosing between the HMX Cheese and KTT Mint boils down to personal preference and typing style; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Mint offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Mint's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and fuller sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Mint's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for RGB lighting, showcasing a different aesthetic appeal compared to the Cheese's opaque nylon housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cheese and the Mint utilize nylon material, which results in a similar deep and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastic materials. This shared bottom housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. However, the distinct characteristics of their top housing materials still provide a noticeable difference in sound profiles between the Cheese and the Mint.
While the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the top housing material is more influential in the sound produced when releasing a key. The contrasting qualities of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings of the Cheese and the Mint respectively result in distinct sound profiles when typing. The split characteristics of the housing materials highlight the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience of a switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Cheese and the Mint will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The HMX Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a light and smoother typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a bit more resistance for users who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. Overall, the HMX Cheese is the lighter option, while the KTT Mint is the heavier option, catering to users with different preferences in terms of typing force. If a user prefers a similar typing experience from both switches, they may choose the Cheese for a more consistent feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the KTT Mint is the longer of the two switches. The Cheese offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Mint switch provides a bit more depth, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.
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 $2.99.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the KTT Mint switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Cheese switch leans towards a more lively and distinct typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a sharper sound feedback, while the Mint switch offers a more mellow and balanced sound, suitable for various environments and preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, while the KTT Mint switch offers a mild and polished typing feel. The Cheese switch presents a light and fleeting type feel, ideal for those seeking a swift and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch offers a gentle and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and approachable typing feel, catering to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese and KTT Mint switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch excels in providing a lively and satisfying sound feedback, coupled with a smooth and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch delivers a more mellow and balanced sound, paired with a gentle and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between the sharp and crisp sound of the Cheese switch or the balanced and refined feel of the Mint switch. Ultimately, both switches promise a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience for users looking to enhance their keyboard setups.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer an ultra-light switch with a satisfyingly smooth and clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a poppy thockiness and a polished feel, the KTT Mint switch could be the better option. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will provide you with the best typing experience.
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