HMX Cheese vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own and are lighter than 90% of all switches, making them a favorite among those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches provide a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile that is described as buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, and invigorating. While the Cheese switch is known for its lightness and smoothness, the Cream switch offers a more robust and tactile typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cheese Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Cheese and Kailh NovelKeys Cream both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing components, with the Cheese featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Cream is equipped with a POM top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Cheese offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Cream produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials aim to enhance the sound profile of the switch, they achieve this in slightly different ways.

In terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience, the different housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Kailh NovelKeys Cream can also impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the tactile response and the sound produced when the switch is fully pressed down. The softer nylon housing of the Cheese may provide a more cushioned and rounded bottom-out experience, while the POM housing of the Cream could offer a slightly firmer and more precise bottom-out feel. These differences contribute to the overall typing feel and sound signature of each switch.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Kailh NovelKeys Cream may offer distinct sound profiles and tactile responses, they ultimately work together to create a cohesive typing experience. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience for users. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the Cheese's nylon housing or the unique and muted sound of the Cream's POM housing, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese switch is lighter overall. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Cheese switch make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the NovelKeys Cream switch provide a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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, making it shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Cream switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional and deeper keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial keypress depth. In terms of getting similar results, both switches are linear switches, so the keystrokes will feel smooth and consistent regardless of the travel distance difference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a distinct clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that is lighter and more unique compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provides a deeper and more resonant sound profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone that still maintains a clean and sharp auditory experience. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preference for sound, whether you prefer a lighter and more distinctive click or a deeper and more resonant typing experience.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, but specific descriptors for the feel are not provided. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Additionally, the Cream switch is mentioned to be textured, providing a slight friction when pressed, and invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother or slightly textured typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of feel.

In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch each offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Cheese switch provides a light and unique clacky sound with an unspecified feel, while the Cream switch offers a deeper and more resonant sound with a buttery and textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, and experimenting with both switches on different boards and keycaps can help determine which one provides a more satisfying typing experience for each user.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, your choice should primarily be based on your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light, smooth, and poppy typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a deep sound profile and a more substantial typing feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be a better fit for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value a lighter keystroke and unique sound signature or a heavier keystroke and deeper sound profile in your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cheese Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more