HMX Cheese vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and KTT Semi Mute offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute, despite its name, provides a completely silent operation perfect for those who value a noise-free environment. With advanced dampening technology and a linear actuation, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. While the Cheese appeals to those who prefer ultra-light switches with a distinctive sound, the Semi Mute caters to individuals seeking a quiet and undisturbed 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Semi Mute show significant differences in their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Cheese's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top and bottom housings result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Semi Mute also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding to its visual appeal.
While the housing materials of the Cheese and the Semi Mute have distinct characteristics, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of the switches. The differences in sound profile between nylon and polycarbonate extend to how the switches feel when typing: the Cheese's nylon housing creates a softer and rounder typing experience, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper typing sensation. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Semi Mute's housing adds a more visually striking element, especially when paired with RGB lighting, compared to the more traditional look of the Cheese's nylon housing.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the KTT Semi Mute ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. While the Cheese's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a more classic appearance, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper, crisper sound profile with a modern and visually appealing translucent look. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder typing experience or a sharper, more resonant one, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that significantly impact their overall performance.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both have an actuation force of 43 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cheese requires 46 grams while the Semi Mute requires 58 grams. This means that the Cheese is lighter in terms of the force needed to press the key all the way down, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Semi Mute offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Semi Mute provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches offer their own unique features and benefits that cater to different user preferences.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 offers a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed to be completely silent, providing a muted typing experience ideal for those who prefer a noise-free environment. The Cheese switch excels in providing a distinct sound while the Semi Mute prioritizes a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, offering a pristine typing experience with a unique tactile feel. Meanwhile, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Cheese focusing on smoothness and the Semi Mute emphasizing a gentle typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese and KTT Semi Mute switches have different sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and poppy sound like the Cheese switch or a completely silent typing experience like the Semi Mute switch, both options cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a lightweight switch with a satisfying clacky sound and smooth typing experience, then the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and a comfortable, muted typing feel, then the KTT Semi Mute switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so take into account your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when deciding between these two options.
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