HMX Cheese vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the KTT Peach are two popular options to consider. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Peach also offers a smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer low-pitched and mild switches. While the Cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Peach is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Peach, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles due to their nylon and polycarbonate materials. The Cheese's nylon top and bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Peach's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, with a higher-pitched resonance attributed to the stiffer polycarbonate material. While both switches use nylon in the bottom housing, the difference in top housing material significantly alters the sound produced.
The choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Cheese offers a more muffled and rounded sound due to both top and bottom housing materials being nylon. In comparison, the Peach provides a clearer and sharper sound profile because of the polycarbonate top housing, allowing for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Peach's top housing makes it a more visually appealing choice for those looking to enhance aesthetic features such as RGB lighting. Overall, the choice between these two materials will result in distinct sound experiences for users.
While the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and KTT Peach differ in terms of sound profiles, they both aim to enhance the typing experience for users. Despite the differences in materials, both switches utilize the properties of nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the housing material is split between the top and bottom housing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users looking for a switch with a more subdued sound may prefer the Cheese with its nylon housing, while those desiring a clearer and crisper sound may lean towards the Peach's polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The HMX Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the Peach switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier weight. For users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Cheese switch would be the better option. However, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback may prefer the Peach switch for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Peach switch offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience despite their slight difference in travel distance.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 considering the sound produced by the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing an unparalleled smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch offers a deep, thocky sound profile with a syrupy smooth typing experience. While the Cheese switch is known for being lighter than 90% of all switches, the Peach switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch lacks specific descriptors in the provided information. However, it is known for its smoothness and pristine typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Peach linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, approaching a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. This suggests that the Peach switch may provide a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch stands out for its ultra-lightness and satisfying sound profile, while the Peach switch provides a deep, thocky sound and syrupy smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer a lighter, crisper sound with smoothness or a deeper, more mellow sound with a mild feel, both switches offer distinctive options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking will guide your choice between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force and the desired typing experience. If you prefer an ultra-light switch with a satisfying clacky sound and smooth typing experience, then the HMX Cheese switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a deep, thocky sound and a syrupy smooth typing experience, then the KTT Peach switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lighter key feel and crisp sound (Cheese) or a slightly heavier key feel and deep sound profile (Peach) in your mechanical keyboard.
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