HMX Cheese vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Purple Star offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfyingly 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 KTT Purple Star switches stand out for their buttery smooth typing experience thanks to their all-POM construction and neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, they are ideal for light typists seeking ease and comfort. Each switch offers distinct qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the KTT Purple Star utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Cheese featuring nylon top and bottom housings while the Purple Star incorporates POM top and bottom housings. The nylon top housing of the Cheese provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic makeup, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Purple Star produces a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted.
In terms of bottom housings, the HMX Cheese and KTT Purple Star remain distinct in their material choices. The nylon bottom housing of the Cheese contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, similarly to its top housing. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star continues to offer an incredibly pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and more muted, maintaining consistency with its top housing material. These differences in bottom housing materials may result in variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches when in use.
While the HMX Cheese and KTT Purple Star differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom, they share a common goal of creating a unique and pleasant typing experience. The nylon and POM materials used in the Cheese and Purple Star contribute to a similar result of deeper sound profiles with differing levels of muted tones. Despite their differences in material composition, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through the use of distinct housing materials in their construction.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, both have an actuation force of 43 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keystroke force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cheese requires 46 grams of force, whereas the Purple Star requires 50 grams. This makes the Cheese lighter when fully pressing down on the keys compared to the Purple Star. The actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience, as a lighter force may be preferable for longer typing sessions, while a heavier force may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of the HMX Cheese and KTT Purple Star linear switches is identical, ensuring a similar typing feel for users of either switch.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making typing on them a delightful auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide unique sound experiences that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices made by the user.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a unique feel that stands out amongst other switches. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. These characteristics make the Purple Star switches approachable to most users, ensuring a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Overall, while the HMX Cheese and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities, users can expect a high level of satisfaction from both options. Whether you prefer the crisp sound and smoothness of the Cheese switch or the neutral sound and easy-to-press feel of the Purple Star switch, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, typing experience, and overall feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize a smooth and ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature, then the KTT Purple Star switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and the level of force required to activate the switches.
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