HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, offer unique qualities to consider. The HMX Cheese switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets them apart from other switches. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, making them a great choice for those who prefer a light and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switches provide a tactile feedback that some users prefer, offering a slight bump while typing without the loud clicking noise. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Brown, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon as the bottom housing material. Therefore, both the Cheese and the Brown switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared bottom housing composition.
However, where these switches differ is in their top housing material. The Cheese switch features a nylon top housing, while the Brown switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. Therefore, the Cheese switch may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound due to its nylon top housing, while the Brown switch is likely to offer a clearer and resonant sound profile with a higher pitch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cheese and Outemu Brown switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differing top housing materials of nylon in the Cheese and polycarbonate in the Brown offer unique acoustic characteristics. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese switch makes it easier to trigger keystrokes with less pressure, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Brown switch provide a more substantial typing experience, favored by users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and desired key response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Brown switch provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for either a faster, shallower press with the Cheese or a more deliberate, deeper press with the Brown.
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 $2.99.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Cheese switch offers a unique typing experience with its smoothness and light actuation, accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Brown switch does not have any known subjective qualities mentioned in the provided information. Without specific information on the feel and sound of the Brown switch, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it is safe to assume that the Cheese switch, with its smoothness and crisp sound, may provide a more distinct and enjoyable typing experience for users looking for a lighter switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for feel and sound, as well as other factors such as keycap and keyboard choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value an ultra-light switch with a smooth and crisp typing feel, along with a satisfying clacky sound signature, then the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a tactile bump for enhanced feedback while typing, then the Outemu Brown tactile switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style.
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