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HMX Cheese vs. KTT Purple Click

An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Purple Click offer unique typing experiences. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky sound that is lighter than most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that provide a balanced tactility. While the Cheese switch provides a smooth and light typing experience, the Purple Click switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with its satisfying click. 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

40g

Bottom-out force

46g

Bottom-out force

55g

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

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

22mm single-staged spring

Spring

18mm spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Purple Click, we see a clear distinction between the nylon top housing of the Cheese and the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click. The Nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Purple Click's top housing makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switch.

While the Cheese and Purple Click differ in their top housing materials, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch, as the softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing remains consistent in providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. This demonstrates that while the top housing may influence the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Cheese and the KTT Purple Click significantly impacts the sound profile and user experience of each switch. The softer nylon material in the Cheese creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate material in the Purple Click produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, with the nylon bottom housing ensuring a consistent feel between the two despite the differences in top housing material. Whether opting for the rounder sound of the Cheese or the crisp sound of the Purple Click, users can appreciate the distinct qualities each switch offers based on their housing materials.

Weight

The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. The actuation force of the Cheese is 43 grams, while the Purple Click requires 40 grams to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Cheese has 46 grams, whereas the Purple Click has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Cheese switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. However, the Purple Click switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches have a similar actuation force, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. The Cheese offers a quicker response time for gamers who prioritize speed, while the Purple Click provides a deeper key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market. In this case, if you're looking for a shorter travel distance, the Cheese would be the better option, but if you prefer a longer travel distance, the Purple Click would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.

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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.

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 unique blend of clacky, poppy, and crispy sounds that provide a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch stands out for its high-pitched and satisfying click that adds a level of tactility to each keystroke. The Cheese switch provides a lighter sound profile compared to the Purple Click, which offers a more resonant and crunchy sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with the Cheese delivering a smoother and lighter sound, while the Purple Click offers a more pronounced and clicky experience.

In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing users with a seamless and comfortable feel with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation. The Purple Click switch also offers a stepped feel, with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations that add an extra layer of tactility to each keystroke. Ultimately, users can expect a more immersive typing experience with the Purple Click switch, while the Cheese switch provides a smoother and lighter feel.

In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch boasts a lighter and smoother sound profile and typing experience, the Purple Click switch provides a more pronounced and clicky sound with an invigorating and stepped feel. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, with both switches offering high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether choosing the Cheese or Purple Click, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound signature, then the HMX Cheese linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile feedback and a high-pitched click sound, then the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a smoother typing experience with a light actuation force or a more tactile feedback with a satisfying click sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style.

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