HMX Cheese vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Black, also a linear switch. The HMX Cheese switches are praised for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, coupled with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a league of their own, being lighter than the majority of switches on the market. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their classic textured smoothness, further perfected by Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. Typing on them yields a familiar deep sound profile. The MX Black switches are categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Stiff'. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and Cherry MX Black switches use nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing materials means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While both switches use nylon for their housing materials, one key difference between the Cheese and MX Black switches is the switch design. The Cheese switch may have a different structure or mechanism within the housing that could affect the overall sound and feel of typing on it, even though the housing material is the same. This variation in internal design could lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, despite the shared nylon housing material.
Since the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the typing experience, the qualities of the housing material will affect both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. The differences between the HMX Cheese and Cherry MX Black switches may lie in how their housing materials interact with the internal components of the switch, resulting in subtle variations in the overall typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches share the use of nylon for their housings, the overall typing experience may still differ due to other factors at play within the switches themselves.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese switch is lighter in both aspects. The actuation force of the Cheese switch is 43 grams, while the MX Black requires 60 grams for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, the Cheese switch requires 46 grams, whereas the MX Black needs 80 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Cheese switch make it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the MX Black switch provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the HMX Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cheese switch. The 3.5 mm of the HMX Cheese lies between the most shallow 3.0 mm and the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distances. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the HMX Cheese switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch stands out for its unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a deeper and low-pitched sound, adding a more bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can choose between the distinct sound characteristics of these two switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness, offering a pristine typing sensation that sets it apart from other switches. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as having a textured feel, meaning there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. In addition, the MX Black switch is also noted for being stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This difference in feel between the Cheese and MX Black switches can greatly impact a user's typing experience and comfort level.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch provides a smooth and clacky sound with unparalleled smoothness, while the MX Black switch offers a deep and low-pitched sound with a textured and stiff feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences, typing style, and desired typing experience. It is important for newcomers to experiment with different switch options to find the one that best suits their needs and typing habits.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a more unique sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional feel with a heavier actuation force and a classic sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch might be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Happy typing!
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