HMX Cheese vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch, offer unique typing experiences. The HMX Cheese switches are praised for their unparalleled smoothness and lightness, providing a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound while typing. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches stand out for their sharp tactile feel, featuring a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump for a hyper-tactile sensation. While the Cheese switches offer a lighter typing experience, the Moyu Blacks provide a medium-heavy feel with an abrupt bottom-out. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cheese utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features PBT for both its top and bottom housings, offering a neutral sound profile that is not too crisp nor too dull. Despite these differences, both housing materials bring a unique tactile experience to typing on the switches.
In terms of material properties, nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a distinct sound profile for the HMX Cheese. On the other hand, PBT is a material that is relatively unseen in switch housings but offers a neutral sound profile without being overly sharp or muted for the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). While the two materials may differ in their acoustic characteristics, they both contribute to the overall typing experience on the respective switches.
Furthermore, the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches plays a role in the overall feel and sound of the typing experience. The bottom housing has more 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. This split in qualities allows for a balanced typing experience where both the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) can offer a unique and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, creating a smooth and light typing experience. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may opt for the Cheese, while individuals seeking a more robust typing experience may find the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) to be a better fit. In the end, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Moyu Black switch, making it potentially more preferable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Moyu Black switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial keypress sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 offers a unique and satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that is lighter than the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch. The Moyu Black switch, on the other hand, provides a resonant and sharp sound profile with an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer their own distinct sound characteristics, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its smoothness and pristine typing experience, but specific details regarding its tactile feel are unknown. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offers a sharp and strong tactile bump with a unique blend of materials for a premium typing experience. With an accentuated bottom-out and a medium-heavy feel, the Moyu Black switch provides a distinctive and impactful typing experience that sets it apart from the HMX Cheese switch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese excels in providing a lighter and crisp sound with smooth typing, the Moyu Black switch delivers a resonant and sharp sound with a strong tactile bump and premium typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. And remember, the overall sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a smooth and light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and tactile feel with a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump for a hypertactile sensation, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lighter switch with a unique sound profile like the Cheese, or a medium-heavy switch with a distinctive tactile feedback like the Moyu Black. Both switches offer a premium typing experience, so choose according to your personal preferences and typing style.