HMX Cheese vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the linear HMX Cheese switch and the tactile Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch, the decision may come down to your personal typing preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is best known for its maximum tactility, offering a punchy feel for those who seek a sharp tactility and satisfying clean clack while typing. 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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 POM T1 (Sunflower) both play a significant role in influencing the sound profile of the switches. The Cheese's nylon top housing and the POM T1's POM top housing both contribute to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the nylon top housing of the Cheese is described as absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the T1 creates a more muted sound profile but still on the deeper side. Overall, both housing materials aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a unique acoustic experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the qualities of the housing material are also crucial in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Cheese and the POM bottom housing of the T1 both contribute to a deeper sound profile, with the nylon being softer and absorbing more sound compared to the POM. This results in a duller and rounder sound for the Cheese, while the T1 produces a more muted sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, adding to the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), both switches aim to provide a pleasant and unique typing experience. While the Cheese utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a softer and fuller sound, the T1 incorporates POM for both housing parts, creating a more muted and deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, as both materials bring their own unique qualities to the table.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch. The Cheese requires 43 grams to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out, while the POM T1 has unknown actuation force and 67 grams for bottom out. The Cheese provides a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the POM T1 offers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback, catering to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the POM T1. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cheese being on the shallower end and the POM T1 being slightly deeper. Gamers may prefer the Cheese for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while some users may find the POM T1 more comfortable for its slightly longer travel distance providing a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 $2.99.
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making typing on them an auditory delight. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a resonant sound profile, contributing to a higher-pitched and immersive typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance your typing enjoyment, with the Cheese delivering a lighter sound and the POM T1 (Sunflower) offering a cleaner and sharper sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a satisfying keypress with each stroke. Conversely, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a sharp and crisp tactile bump, giving a distinct feedback intensity with each keypress. With descriptors like sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a tactile typing experience that is highly responsive and immersive, while the Cheese focuses on smoothness and precision.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese provides a lighter and clacky sound with unparalleled smoothness, the POM T1 (Sunflower) delivers a resonant and sharp sound paired with a tactile typing experience that is sharp, snappy, and invigorating. Ultimately, your preference between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smoother typing experience (Cheese) or a more tactile and sharp feedback (POM T1). Both switches offer a premium typing experience, so you can expect similar high-quality results in terms of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value maximum tactility and a sharp, clean clack sound profile, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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