HMX Cheese vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Orange both offer unique features and qualities to enhance your typing experience. The HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and lightness, providing a satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a bouncy type feel with a smooth, frictionless typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile. While the Cheese switch excels in being ultra-light and providing a crisp typing experience, the Orange switch stands out for its bouncy feel and refined key travel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Orange switches offer different sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Orange's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the sound experience.
On the other hand, both the Cheese and the Orange switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of the top housing. The softness of the nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound when typing on the switches. In comparison, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange switch offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the typing experience. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate bottom housing complements the translucent top housing, creating a cohesive look for the switch.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Orange switches, it is evident that the choice of material influences the sound profile and feel of typing on the switches. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balanced sound experience when pressing down on the switch and releasing a key. While the nylon and polycarbonate materials offer distinct qualities, they both contribute to the overall performance and aesthetic appeal of the switches, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter in both aspects. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Cheese provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Orange. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cheese, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Orange offers a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch is the same, both measuring at 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled by the switch from top to bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Despite any other differences between the two switches, such as actuation force or tactile feedback, the travel distance remains consistent between the HMX Cheese and KTT Orange linear switches.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, offering a unique typing experience with its ultra-light design. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance your overall typing experience, depending on your personal preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, showcasing a refined key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. In contrast, the KTT Orange linear switch is described as bouncy and frictionless, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel and effortless typing experience. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback that can cater to different typing styles and preferences, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their needs.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience, the Orange switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and bouncy, frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for. However, it is important to note that both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the level of actuation force you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter touch and smoother typing experience, the HMX Cheese with its 46 grams bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial but still relatively light actuation force, the KTT Orange with its 53 grams bottom out force offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel and sound profile, as both switches excel in different areas.
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