HMX Cheese vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The HMX Cheese switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a light and responsive feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches cater to those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience, with a clean and clacky sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, these switches offer a different tactile sensation compared to the HMX Cheese switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of their respective switches. The Cheese's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic, providing a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials have distinct qualities, they each offer a different typing experience for users.
While the top housing materials of the Cheese and Polaris Gray differ in their composition, their bottom housing materials share similarities in terms of sound profile. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. However, the Polaris Gray's use of polycarbonate for the top housing contrasts with the Cheese, providing a sharper and more distinct sound profile that caters to those seeking a crisper typing experience. Overall, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of a switch.
The split between the top and bottom housings of a switch allows for a combination of qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the differences in housing materials between the Cheese and Polaris Gray offer users a unique typing experience based on the specific qualities of nylon and polycarbonate. Whether opting for a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper tone, both switches provide diverse options for individuals looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Cheese 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 or gaming. In contrast, the Polaris Gray has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unknown, its higher bottom out force suggests that it requires more force to fully press down the key compared to the Cheese. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Cheese being the lighter option and the Polaris Gray being the heavier option for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, the Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance than the Cheese. The 4.0mm distance is considered to be the most traditional, while a 3.0mm distance is the most shallow. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Cheese an ideal choice for gaming. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Polaris Gray may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 offers a unique and satisfying experience with a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a clean and clacky sound that is described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky. While the Cheese switch is best suited for those seeking an ultra-light and smooth typing experience with a distinct sound, the Polaris Gray switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a bouncy feel with a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch's tactile qualities are undefined in the information provided. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the Polaris Gray switch provides a gentle and smooth key press with reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and refined feel. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, as its qualities fall within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Cheese switch excels in providing an ultra-light and smooth typing experience with a distinct and satisfying sound, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncier feel with a clean and mellow tone. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can bring a high level of satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bouncy typing feel and a clean, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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