HMX Cheese vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and TTC Neptune are two popular options to consider. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature that is lighter than 90% of switches on the market. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that provides a harmonious balance between a smooth, frictionless glide and a springy resistance, giving each keystroke a textured pleasure. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a crisp sound and ultra-light typing experience, the Neptune switch offers a unique "matte" feel and muted sound signature for a refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the TTC Neptune, we see that both switches utilize different materials for the top and bottom housings. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Neptune incorporates a POM top housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound, leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum with a relatively muted tone. This difference in top housing materials leads to distinct sound profiles for each switch, offering users a variety of auditory experiences based on their preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cheese and Neptune switches once again differ in material choice. The Cheese utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing characteristics. The Neptune, on the other hand, employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials results in a noticeable variation in sound when pressing down on the switches, with the bottom out sound and feel being influenced by the material used in this part of the switch.
Overall, while the HMX Cheese and TTC Neptune switches have distinct housing materials for both the top and bottom parts, they share similarities in how these materials impact the sound profiles. Both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound when letting go of a key and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether nylon or POM for the top housing, or nylon or polycarbonate for the bottom housing, users can expect a range of sound profiles depending on their preferred material composition. Ultimately, these differences in materials offer users the opportunity to find the switch that best suits their typing preferences and needs.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, we can see that the Cheese has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neptune requires more pressure at 50 grams compared to the Cheese's 46 grams. Both switches are relatively light when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Cheese may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly lighter touch, while the Neptune may be favored by those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear feel with comparable force requirements, providing users with a consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Neptune switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Neptune switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key 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 $3.99.
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 is best described as providing a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the TTC Neptune switch offers a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound profile. The Cheese switch delivers a more pronounced and lively auditory experience, whereas the Neptune switch focuses on a quieter and more refined sound output. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard will also play a significant role in shaping the final sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, while the TTC Neptune switch provides a unique blend of a smooth, frictionless glide with a springy resistance, resulting in a textured pleasure with every keystroke. The Cheese switch delivers a smooth and effortless typing experience, while the Neptune switch combines elements of buttery, frictionless, and polished sensations to create a distinct feel that stands out.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch leans towards a more lively and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, while the Neptune switch focuses on a muted, low-pitched sound with a textured and balanced feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing sensation, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, ensuring a premium typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound signature. If you enjoy an ultra-light switch with a satisfying clacky sound and smooth typing experience, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of smooth, frictionless glide and springy resistance, with a muted sound signature for a refined ambiance, the TTC Neptune switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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