HMX Cheese vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Cheese and Durock Piano are both excellent linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This ultra-light switch stands out for being lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is known for its proprietary material blend that results in a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. With a categorization of bassy, frictionless, silky, the Piano offers a distinct typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate a smoother and quieter keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Piano both offer a unique sound profile. The Nylon top housing of the Cheese provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend top housing also promises a deep and satisfying sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are unknown. Despite this difference, both housing materials aim to enhance the sound experience for users, making typing on these switches a more enjoyable experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cheese's nylon and the Piano's proprietary POM blend offer similar qualities. They both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the exact composition of the POM blend remains a mystery, it is evident that both bottom housings aim to provide a satisfying sound profile that complements the top housing material. This ensures that users of both switches will enjoy a consistent and enhanced typing experience.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on typing experience, it is clear that both the HMX Cheese and the Durock Piano prioritize sound quality. The bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users. While the Nylon and POM blend housing materials may have subtle differences, their goal remains the same: to provide a superior sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, although its actuation force is unknown. For those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Piano may be the preferable option. Overall, the Cheese offers a lighter typing experience, while the Piano provides a heavier feel for those who prefer it. Both switches offer different experiences based on weight preferences, allowing users to choose according to their typing needs.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see that the Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Piano has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Piano switch has the longer travel distance. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. The shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time, while the longer travel distance of the Piano switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer deeper keypresses. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between them depends on personal preference.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 is best known for its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a deep, creamy sound profile with a bassy undertone. The Cheese offers a lighter sound experience compared to the bassy richness of the Piano, providing a different auditory experience for the user. Both switches' sound profiles will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a gliding push feel, making for a pleasant and effortless typing experience. The Cheese switch does not have a specific descriptor for feel provided, but the Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky, ensuring a smooth and resistance-free typing feel for the user.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch each offer a unique typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch provides a light and crispy sound signature with unparalleled smoothness, the Piano switch offers a deep and creamy sound profile with a gliding push feel. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, with the Cheese focusing on smoothness and the Piano emphasizing a frictionless and silky feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound profile. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and creamy sound signature and a frictionless, silky feel, the Durock Piano switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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