HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they cater to different preferences and needs. The HMX Cheese offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are perfect for those who prefer a light actuation and enjoy a distinctive typing sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed specifically for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. These switches prioritize discretion and subtle sound signature, making them ideal for professional settings where continuous typing is essential. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Mountain Top use nylon as their housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic makes typing on both switches a satisfying experience for users who appreciate a tactile and audible response while typing.
In terms of the top housing, both the Cheese and Mountain Top switches share the same nylon material, which impacts the sound when a key is released. The nylon top housing contributes to the overall typing experience by creating a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This feature enhances the tactile feedback and makes typing on these switches more enjoyable, especially for those who prefer a switch with a unique sound signature.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the nylon material also plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounded sound profile when compared to switches made of harder plastics. This characteristic ensures that both the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Mountain Top provide a consistent typing experience with deep and satisfying sound feedback, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize typing comfort and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are designed to provide a lighter typing experience, making them ideal for users who prefer a softer touch when typing. However, the Gateron Mountain Top switch has a slightly lighter actuation force, which may be more appealing to those who prefer an even lighter keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switch has a slightly lower bottom out force, which may result in a softer landing when pressing the keys fully. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience from both switches due to their relatively light actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the Cheese switch is slightly longer than the Mountain Top switch. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Mountain Top switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 $2.99.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
The HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique sound profile with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound, making it stand out as one of the lightest switches available. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed for discretion in office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. When comparing the two switches, the Cheese offers a more distinctive and lively sound, while the Mountain Top delivers a subtle and subdued typing experience suitable for professional settings. In terms of feel, the Cheese switch's tactile feedback is unknown, while the Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch excels in providing a smooth and pristine typing experience with a unique sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch focuses on discretion in professional environments, offering a quiet typing experience with a comfortable actuation force. While both switches cater to different preferences and environments, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, with the Cheese offering a more distinct sound and the Mountain Top prioritizing a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer quality and performance for different usage scenarios.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value an ultra-light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quiet and discreet typing experience tailored for office environments, the Mountain Top switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a poppy and crispy feel or a bouncy and easy-to-press typing sensation. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and needs for a seamless typing experience.
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