HMX Cheese vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, delivering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, with a tactility that strikes a delicate balance between pronounced and subtle. While the Cheese switch excels in being ultra-light and providing a unique typing feel, the Purple Sakura stands out for its balanced tactility and enjoyable sound profile. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are quite different in terms of sound profile. The Cheese uses a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Purple Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer different sound characteristics, they can cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Cheese and Purple Sakura switches use nylon. This material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In this aspect, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent feel and acoustics across both switches, despite their differing top housing materials.
In terms of tactile feedback and sound production, the choice of housing materials in switches can greatly impact the overall typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housing materials in a switch allows for a combination of qualities that influence both the downstroke and upstroke sound profiles. While the Cheese and Purple Sakura switches may have different top housing materials, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in sound and feel. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials can cater to a variety of preferences, whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound profile from nylon or a crisper and clearer sound from polycarbonate.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cheese linear switch is lighter at 43 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch at 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Cheese switch is also lighter at 46 grams, while the Purple Sakura switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Cheese switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, which may be preferred by users looking for a more effortless typing session. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch offers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cheese switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who don't want a too abrupt feeling when pressing down on the key. However, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Purple Sakura switch may be the better option for you. Overall, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique and satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a mild and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard type and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, which many users appreciate. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery and fluid keystroke experience, with a snappy response that adds a level of excitement to typing. The tactile bump on the Purple Sakura switch strikes a delicate balance, providing a satisfying typing sensation without being overpowering. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch delivers a light and crispy sound with smooth keypresses, the Purple Sakura switch provides a mild and neutral sound with buttery and snappy tactile feedback. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style, as both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfactory results depending on the user's preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing feel with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switches may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, the Purple Sakura switches could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your individual preferences and enjoy the enhanced typing experience these switches can offer.
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