HMX Cheese vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Rose offer unique experiences for users. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch boasts a beautiful design with progressive springs that provide a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, accompanied by a unique bassy sound when typing. While the Cheese switch is lighter and provides a crispy sound, the Rose switch offers a polished and neutral typing experience. 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
63.5g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Rose, it is evident that they both utilize nylon as the material for the bottom housing. This means that users can expect similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and typing experience when pressing down on the switches. Both the Cheese and the Rose will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience across both switches.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the HMX Cheese features nylon while the KTT Rose opts for polycarbonate. This distinction results in a noticeable difference in sound profile and typing experience between the two switches. The Cheese's nylon top housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Rose's polycarbonate top housing will create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a different aesthetic appeal compared to the opaque nylon top housing of the Cheese.
Overall, the choice of top housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While both the HMX Cheese and the KTT Rose offer a quality typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, the difference in top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Cheese's nylon top housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound, while the Rose's polycarbonate top housing will offer a sharper and crisper sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Ultimately, users can choose between the two switches based on their preference for sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Rose linear switch. The Cheese requires 43 grams of force to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out, while the Rose has an unknown actuation force and 63.5 grams to bottom out, making it medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cheese, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Rose provides a stronger push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preference, with the Cheese being the lighter option and the Rose being the heavier option for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Rose linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a shorter travel distance compared to the Rose. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and deliberate key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards today. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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 switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, setting it apart with its ultra-light feel. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch provides a low-pitched and bassy raindrop-like sound, thanks to its progressive springs. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Cheese being lighter and potentially louder, while the Rose provides a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch offers unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, while the KTT Rose switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The Cheese switch is described as smooth with a light touch, resulting in a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Rose switch is characterized by a gentle typing feel, making it approachable for most users, and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the HMX Cheese and KTT Rose switches differ in their sound and feel profiles, they both offer unique and high-quality typing experiences. Whether you prefer the ultra-light and clacky sound of the Cheese switch or the bassy and mellow sound of the Rose switch, both options aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, typing style, and desired sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you prioritize a light typing force and a smooth, clacky sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing force with a bassy, raindrop-like sound and a more polished typing feel, the KTT Rose switch might be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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