HMX Cheese vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Pine are both popular choices among enthusiasts. The HMX Cheese is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Pine offers a medium-heavy feel that is buttery smooth and built for an effortless typing experience, thanks to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. The HMX Cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, while the KTT Pine is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Pine, the main difference lies in the material used for their top housing. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. The Cheese's top housing provides a duller and rounder sound, while the Pine's top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cheese and the Pine feature similar materials, with the Cheese using nylon and the Pine using polycarbonate. This consistency in bottom housing material means that the typing experience on these switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile. Both nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings are relatively softer plastics that absorb sound well, creating a duller and rounder sound for a more satisfying typing experience. While the top housings of the Cheese and the Pine provide differences in sound profiles, the bottom housings offer a common ground in terms of acoustic characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the KTT Pine housing materials largely depends on sound preference and aesthetic considerations. If a user prefers a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile, the Cheese's nylon top and bottom housings would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with clear and resonant qualities is preferred, the Pine's polycarbonate top and bottom housings would be the more suitable option. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, showcasing the impact that different plastics can have on the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we see that the Cheese is lighter in both aspects. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The actuation force of the Cheese is slightly lighter than the Pine, but both fall within the light to medium range. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cheese, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel may opt for the Pine. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying depth when pressed. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prefers a quicker, more responsive feel (Cheese) or a deeper, more deliberate press (Pine).
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience that stands out among other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a satisfying keystroke that is both light and responsive. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and built for an effortless typing experience, thanks to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a smooth key travel. Both switches offer a smooth and consistent typing sensation, albeit with different weight and resistance levels that cater to individual typing preferences.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch stands out for its lightness and distinctive sound profile, the Pine switch offers a medium-heavy weight and smooth keystrokes. Whether you prefer the clacky and poppy sound of the Cheese switch or the buttery smooth feel of the Pine switch, both options provide a high-quality typing experience that can be tailored to suit your specific preferences and typing style. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preferred typing experience and bottom out force. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese switches are the way to go with their 46-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers buttery smoothness and effortless typing, along with a polished, factory-lubed finish to minimize friction, then the KTT Pine linear switches with a 58-gram bottom out force would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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