HMX Cheese vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the HMX Cheese excels in being ultra-light and offering a crisp sound, the MX Brown offers a more textured and low-pitched typing experience. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Brown switches utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The result is a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of switches using nylon housing material. Thus, in terms of sound profile and typing experience, users can expect similar results from both the Cheese and the Brown switches.
However, while both switches use nylon for their housing material, the overall typing experience may differ slightly due to the design and construction of each switch. The Cheese switch may have a different shape or design of the housing which could impact the overall feel and sound of typing on the switch compared to the Cherry MX Brown switch. Additionally, the Cheese switch may have different internal components or mechanisms that could affect the typing experience, even though they both utilize nylon for their housing material.
In conclusion, the housing material of both the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Brown switches is nylon, which results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. While the overall sound may be deeper and fuller due to the absorption properties of nylon, the specific design and construction of each switch may contribute to slight differences in the typing experience. However, the use of nylon housing in both switches ensures a consistent and familiar feel that typists can rely on for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Brown's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the Cheese also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the Brown's 55 grams, making it less resistant when pressing all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Cheese, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Brown. In terms of weight, the actuation force for both switches is relatively similar, providing comparable results in triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cherry MX Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cheese switch. The 0.5 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the HMX Cheese switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch would be more suitable. In general, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences.
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 Brown 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 satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique and ultra-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a more subtle and subdued audio feedback, characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for a more pronounced or mellow typing sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, while the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its gentle tactility and textured feel. Some users may prefer the friction-free typing experience of the Cheese switch, while others might appreciate the subtle texture of the MX Brown switch. It all comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Considering all the available information, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cheese switch provides a more intense typing experience with a light and pronounced sound, the MX Brown switch offers a more subtle and gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. However, if you enjoy a light typing experience, both switches can provide similar results in terms of actuation force and smoothness.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the weight of the bottom out force and the sound and feel preferences. If you prefer an extremely light switch with a smooth typing experience and a distinctive clacky sound, the HMX Cheese may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with gentle tactility and a more subdued sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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