HMX Cheese vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two popular choices that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is lighter than the majority of switches on the market. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel is complemented by a subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished categorization. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder profile. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound thanks to its stiffer properties, resulting in a more clear and resonant profile. This difference in top housing material leads to distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
Both the Cheese and Semi-Silent Linear switches feature nylon bottom housings, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon material's softness and sound-absorbing properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on both switches. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures a consistent sound profile despite the differences in their top housings. It also highlights the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the overall typing experience, particularly the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
The impact of housing materials on switch performance is evident in how they affect the typing sound and feel. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the nuances of different housing materials can help users choose switches that align with their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch differ in weight. The Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown. Lighter switches like the Cheese are preferred by those who like to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while switches with heavier forces like the Semi-Silent Linear are favored by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide varying levels of tactile feedback, with the Cheese offering a lighter touch and the Semi-Silent Linear providing a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Cheese switch for its slightly shorter travel, resulting in faster response times. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch may provide a slightly more substantial key press feel due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, offering a unique typing experience that is lighter than the majority of switches on the market. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as having a subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, providing a more subtle and gentle typing experience compared to the Cheese switch. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cheese switch leaning towards a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is more understated and subdued.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a buttery and polished keystroke that is effortless and uniform. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, and buttery, providing a gentle typing experience with super responsive feedback. While both switches offer smooth and fluid key presses, the Cheese switch leans towards a more refined and polished feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mix of mild and snappy qualities for a comfortable and lively typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch both offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch excels in providing a satisfyingly clacky and crisp sound signature accompanied by a buttery and polished typing feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued yet gentle sound profile with a mix of mild and snappy qualities for a responsive and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide reliable and top-tier options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfyingly clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a semi-silent and silky smooth typing experience, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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