HMX Cheese vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, particularly with options like the HMX Cheese and Akko Rosewood, both of which are linear switches but deliver distinctly different experiences. The HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering an ultra-light feel that outshines 90% of other switches. Its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature can make typing feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood is known for its deep and satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that provides a rich auditory feedback while typing. While both are linear switches, the Cheese stands out for those who prioritize an ultra-light and lively feel, while the Rosewood appeals to those who prefer a deeper sound profile and a sense of robustness in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Cheese Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko Rosewood, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice of material results in a similar typing experience across both models. Nylon is known for its softer composition compared to harder plastics, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The ability of nylon to absorb sound effectively leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it a favored choice among many keyboard enthusiasts who seek a satisfying tactile sound.

Both the HMX Cheese and the Akko Rosewood exemplify the advantages of nylon as a housing material. With the top and bottom housings made of the same nylon, users can expect consistent performance in terms of sound and feel. The nylon material dampens sound better than harder plastics, ensuring that the noise produced while typing is rich and pleasing. Since both models effectively utilize the same material, the tactile feedback and acoustic properties will remain similar, allowing for a cohesive experience that many typists and gamers will appreciate.

Moreover, because both the HMX Cheese and Akko Rosewood switch housings are entirely made of nylon, the characteristics of each individual housing directly influence the overall feel and sound signature of the switches. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when keys are released. As a result, users can anticipate a harmonized experience, where the qualities of both housings contribute to the satisfying overall auditory profile and tactile response that both switches deliver, ultimately encouraging a fluid typing experience regardless of which option is chosen.

Weight

The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both fall into the light category concerning actuation and bottom out forces, but they present noticeable differences. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, whereas the Rosewood switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but it has a higher bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Rosewood requires less force to register a keystroke, users will encounter a firmer resistance when fully pressing the key compared to the Cheese switch. As a result, the Cheese switch may provide a more balanced typing experience, with a softer feel at both actuation and bottom out, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Rosewood provides a slightly lighter initial touch but a more pronounced resistance at the bottom, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter, easier experience, the Rosewood may suit you better, whereas the Cheese could be ideal for those who appreciate a consistent and softer feedback throughout the keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Cheese switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood switch extends to 4 mm. This difference signifies that the Rosewood switch offers a more traditional and deeper travel experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. In contrast, the Cheese switch, with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Thus, the Cheese provides a snappier action, making it suitable for those who prefer a fast-paced typing or gaming experience, whereas the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate a more substantial and deliberate keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch stands out with its clacky, poppy, and crispy auditory profile, offering a distinctly lively sound that many typists find engaging. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch delivers a deeper, thocky sound that exudes warmth and richness, enhanced by a thin layer of factory lubrication that helps dampen any high-pitched frequencies. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Cheese leaning towards a lighter, more playful tone, while the Rosewood manifests a more subdued, resonant sound. However, it’s important to consider that the overall sound quality can vary based on the keyboard design and keycap selections.

When discussing feel, the HMX Cheese switches are characterized by their unparalleled smoothness, making each keystroke feel exceptionally fluid and effortless, which is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Rosewood switches offer a different tactile experience, though specific descriptions of their feel are not provided. The combination of the factory-applied lubricant may contribute to a more refined keystroke, but personal preference will ultimately determine how one perceives these differences under fingers.

In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch is lauded for its lightweight feel and engaging sound profile, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch provides a richer sound and potentially more nuanced tactile feedback due to the lubrication. While they each present their own unique experiences, users who appreciate a crispy sound and smooth feel might prefer the Cheese, while those inclined towards a deeper acoustic experience may lean towards the Rosewood. Exploring both can lead to a satisfying typing experience, especially with the right keyboard and keycap combinations.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your choice will ultimately come down to your personal typing preferences and the audio experience you desire. If you are looking for a light switch with an incredibly smooth feel and a distinctive, crispy sound signature that enhances the fun of each keystroke, the HMX Cheese switches might be the ideal choice for you. Their lighter bottom-out force makes them particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who favor rapid key presses without fatigue. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial typing experience complemented by a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Akko Rosewood switches would likely suit you better. Their slightly heavier actuation provides a satisfying tactile feedback that's perfect for users who appreciate an auditory reward as they type. Therefore, consider what feels best under your fingers and what sound resonates with you; choosing the right switch can significantly elevate your overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cheese Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more