HMX Cheese vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Silent Red are two popular options to consider. The HMX Cheese offers an unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience with its ultra-light switches that produce a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the HMX Cheese is lighter and provides a unique sound profile, while the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a quieter 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of the housing materials, both the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Silent Red use nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housings. Therefore, both switches should provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as they share the same housing material.
Despite the similarities in housing material, the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Silent Red may still offer slight differences in their overall typing experience. While both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, the design and construction of the switches themselves can impact the sound and feel when typing. Factors such as spring weight, stem design, and overall switch construction can all influence the final typing experience, even if the housing material remains consistent.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the Cherry MX Silent Red may come down to personal preference and any additional features or characteristics offered by each switch. While both switches utilize nylon for their housing materials, differences in design and construction may lead to variations in sound and feel when typing. It is important to consider these factors along with individual typing preferences when selecting the ideal switch for your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the HMX Cheese is lighter in both regards. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The slight difference in actuation force between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cheese switch would be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, the MX Silent Red may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider when choosing between these two options, as it can greatly impact the typing or gaming experience based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cheese. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the HMX Cheese to be more abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press experience.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is unrivaled in the mechanical keyboard world. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile that is significantly quieter than traditional switches. The Cheese switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience, while the MX Silent Red switch is perfect for those who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying tactile feel with each key press. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a slightly different typing experience for users who appreciate the friction during key presses. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch excels in providing a clacky and satisfying sound profile, combined with a smooth and pristine typing feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a quieter typing experience with a slight texture during key presses. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that will surely meet the needs of any mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch is a great choice due to its ultra-light bottom out force and unique sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smoothness and feel of a linear switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is ideal with its silent operation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a louder, more distinctive typing sound or a quieter, more muted typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and needs for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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