HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Outemu Cream Blue offer unique experiences for different preferences. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch that is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, these ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that brings a different tactile feel with each keystroke. While the Cream Blue may not have a specific standout feature mentioned, clicky switches are known for providing audible feedback with each press. If you value a smooth and light typing experience, the HMX Cheese may be the switch for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy the audible clickiness of a switch, the Outemu Cream Blue could be your preferred choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing. This shared material results in a similar typing experience for users of both switches. The use of nylon in the housing of these switches leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material contributes to the overall typing experience for users of both switches.
However, while both the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cream Blue switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housing, the impact of each housing material differs in terms of sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite both switches using nylon for their housing, the way in which these materials affect the typing experience varies between the two switches. This difference in how the housing materials are utilized demonstrates the unique characteristics of each switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cream Blue switches play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users. The use of nylon in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience. While both switches share the same housing material, the way in which the top and bottom housing impact the typing experience differs, providing users with unique characteristics specific to each switch. Despite these differences, the shared nylon housing material ensures a consistent level of quality and performance for both the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cream Blue switches.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Cream Blue clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force of both switches plays a crucial role in triggering a keystroke, with the Cheese being lighter and the Cream Blue being medium-heavy. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue being on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the Cheese switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Cream Blue switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Outemu Cream Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique and satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making typing a joy for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with its ultra-light design setting it apart from the majority of switches on the market. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's tactile feel is not specified. The typing experience is a crucial factor in determining the overall satisfaction with a mechanical keyboard switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the HMX Cheese linear switch excels in providing a smooth and light typing experience with a unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's qualities remain unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth and light switch with a satisfying sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch may be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the bottom out force and your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light switch with smoothness and a satisfying sound, the HMX Cheese would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a clicky and poppy sound, the Outemu Cream Blue would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific feel and sound that you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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