HMX Cheese vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer unique typing experiences worth considering. The HMX Cheese switches are praised for their unparalleled smoothness and satisfying clacky sound, making them a top choice for those who prefer a lighter switch. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are known for their buttery smooth typing experience and progressive spring design, appealing to users who enjoy a more subdued sound. While both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have distinct characteristics that impact the overall sound profile of each switch. The Cheese's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound more effectively. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more resonant sound. While both materials have their unique qualities, the Cheese's nylon housing produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate housing, which yields a clearer and higher-pitched sound.
Additionally, the housing materials of the Cheese and Sea Salt Lemon switches also play a role in the aesthetic appearance of the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate used in the Sea Salt Lemon's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the opaque nature of nylon in the Cheese's housing offers a more traditional look without the ability to showcase RGB lighting. This difference in materials not only affects sound quality but also contributes to the overall design and customization options for users looking to personalize their switches.
Furthermore, when the top and bottom housings of a switch have different materials, the characteristics of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Cheese and Sea Salt Lemon switches, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate housing materials ensures a balance of sound profiles and tactile feedback throughout the typing experience, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Cheese switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would cater to those looking for a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different feel with their respective actuation and bottom out forces, giving users the option to choose based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. A 3.5 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who need fast reactions. On the other hand, a 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantive typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preferences, but overall, the Cheese will provide a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 best known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more mellow and versatile typing sound that can suit a variety of preferences. While the Cheese switch leans towards a more pronounced and tactile sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a smoother and more understated typing experience in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and light actuation, providing a pristine typing experience that is sure to delight users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its mild and gentle typing feel, offering a more approachable and middle-ground experience that can cater to a wide range of users. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, with the Cheese switch being lighter and the Sea Salt Lemon switch providing a more balanced feel.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a tactile and satisfying typing experience with its clacky sound and light actuation, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a smoother and more versatile typing experience with its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options guaranteeing a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize an ultra-light switch with a smooth typing experience and a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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