HMX Cheese vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Cheese and the HMX Perky, both linear switches distinguished by their unique characteristics. The Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, delivering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that makes every keystroke feel vivacious and energetic. Weighing in as one of the lightest switches available—lighter than 90% of all switches—the Cheese promises a delightful typing experience for those who prefer quick and effortless key presses. Conversely, the HMX Perky switches feature softer, glittery nylon housings that contribute to a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience; their shorter travel distance offers a more condensed and efficient keystroke, appealing to users who value speed and responsiveness without sacrificing comfort. Each switch provides distinct advantages depending on typing preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and HMX Perky are identical, as both switches feature nylon in both their top and bottom housings. This similarity in housing material contributes to a consistently enriched sound profile when typing. The nylon's intrinsic properties, being softer than many other plastics, allow for a more muted auditory experience by absorbing sound waves effectively. Consequently, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound that offers more auditory satisfaction, whether they are engaging with the HMX Cheese or the HMX Perky. This identical construction promotes a sense of familiarity and reliability in their performance.
In terms of tactile experience, the design similarities lead to comparable results regardless of which switch one chooses. Since both the Cheese and Perky feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, the tactile feel and overall experience of the switches will be notably alike. The bottom housing, as mentioned, exerts a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily affects the sound upon releasing the key. Users can confidently anticipate a uniform feedback response and auditory signature, whether typing or gaming with the Cheese or Perky.
Ultimately, the choice of nylon as a housing material for both the HMX Cheese and HMX Perky denotes a strategic decision aimed at ensuring a cohesive user experience across these two types of switches. This material's ability to create a sound-dampening effect allows for consistent performance in terms of noise levels and tactile feedback. As such, users who appreciate a rich auditory experience will find both switches fulfilling, as they leverage the same beneficial properties of nylon in their construction. Whether opting for the Cheese or Perky, the switches deliver on the promise of a comfortable and engaging typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Cheese and HMX Perky linear switches offer similar actuation forces, each requiring 43 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them equally accessible for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Cheese requiring 46 grams to fully depress and the Perky demanding a slightly stronger 50 grams. This makes the Cheese the lighter option overall, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Perky's increased bottom out force provides a more substantial feedback for those who enjoy a firmer push feel in their keyboard. Ultimately, while both switches are light in terms of actuation force, the difference in bottom out force may influence user preference based on their typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Cheese offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Cheese the longer option, providing a more substantial depth that may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. On the other hand, the Perky's 3.4 mm travel distance allows for quicker responses, which may be favored by gamers looking for fast actuation. Both switches, while close in distance, cater to different preferences—those who favor the slight extra depth of the Cheese and those seeking the increased responsiveness of the Perky.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch stands out with a clacky, poppy, and crispy auditory profile that offers an engaging aural experience while typing. This satisfying sound signature helps elevate the overall enjoyment of using the switch, making each keystroke feel lively and prominent. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a quieter and more subdued sound profile. As a result, while the Cheese’s sound can evoke excitement, the Perky delivers a calm typing atmosphere that might be preferred in quieter settings. It's important to remember that sound is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are characterized by their unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light activation, giving users a feather-light typing experience that enhances speed and fluidity. This exceptionally smooth action is particularly appealing to those who favor a lightweight touch. Conversely, the HMX Perky switches offer a more neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, complemented by their shorter travel distance. This characteristic adds a compactness to the feel, making each keystroke purposeful and enjoyable. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cheese excelling in a lightweight and rapid response, while the Perky creates a balanced and ergonomic experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Perky linear switches offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The Cheese excites with its lively sound and ultra-smooth, lightweight feel, while the Perky offers a quieter, subtly satisfying audio profile with a compact and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your personal needs and desired typing atmosphere, you can choose either switch and be confident in enjoying a quality typing experience—each will deliver unique yet gratifying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you seek an exceptionally smooth and light typing experience with a satisfying clacky and poppy sound, the Cheese switch is the ideal choice. Its lighter actuation force of 46 grams can provide a very comfortable experience, particularly for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and condensed typing feel that balances comfort with stability, the HMX Perky switch, with its slightly heavier 50 grams actuation force and soft nylon housing, may be more suitable for you. Its deeper sound and tactile feel might cater to those who appreciate a more grounded typing experience while still enjoying a light touch. Ultimately, your preference for auditory feedback, actuation force, and travel distance will guide your decision; pick the HMX Cheese for an expressive, airy experience or the HMX Perky for a refined, stable feel.
Mentioned in this article
