HMX Cheese vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass stands out for its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that delivers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience. While the HMX Cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Sea Glass defies expectations with its 62g bottom-out force while maintaining a weightlessness that is frictionless. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Durock Sea Glass switches both utilize nylon, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. However, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a unique sound profile that leans towards a brighter tone. This difference in sound profile suggests that typing on the Cheese switches may produce a duller and rounder sound, while typing on the Sea Glass switches may result in a slightly sharper and brighter sound.
While both switches utilize nylon for their top housing material, the Sea Glass switches stand out with their blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for the bottom housing. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is described as pleasant and slightly brighter, whereas the Cheese switches maintain a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile with their nylon bottom housing. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing materials of each switch indicates that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Durock Sea Glass switches both feature nylon components that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the Sea Glass switches offer a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE that results in a slightly brighter sound compared to the Cheese switches. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing materials of each switch highlights how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on mechanical switches. While both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound profile, the unique blend of the Sea Glass switches sets them apart in terms of brightness and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter while the Sea Glass is heavier. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium weight option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cheese, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sea Glass with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster reaction times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. The HMX Cheese switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Sea Glass switch, making it potentially more suitable for those who prioritize speed and quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch presents a uniquely hollow sound due to its proprietary material blend. Both switches offer distinct auditory characteristics, with the Cheese leaning towards a more lively and crisp sound, and the Sea Glass providing a softer and airy typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is commended for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering an effortless and comfortable typing feel with minimal resistance. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with slight differences in the overall tactile feedback and actuation force.
Taking into account the information provided, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cheese excels in providing a lively and crisp typing experience, the Sea Glass stands out for its frictionless nature and soft, airy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both switches offer a high level of performance and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you are looking for an ultra-light switch with a smooth and crispy typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that offers a unique dry and airy typing experience, with a distinct hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Whether you value lightness and smoothness or medium weight with a unique sound, both the HMX Cheese and Durock Sea Glass switches offer a top-tier typing experience in their own right.
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