HMX Cheese vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Duck, a tactile switch, stand out as top contenders. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience, with gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, and polished, the Duck switch provides a different typing experience compared to the Cheese switch. While the Cheese switch excels in smoothness and lightness, the Duck switch offers gentle tactile feedback. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can 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
58g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Duck, we see that the Cheese utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing while the Duck features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The Nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Duck creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic makeup. While both housing materials have their distinct sound characteristics, the Cheese provides a duller and rounder sound while the Duck offers a more clear and resonant sound.
Despite their differences, the Nylon bottom housing of the Cheese and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck share similar traits with their respective top housings. Both nylon and polycarbonate contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch when used in the bottom housing. The softer nylon in the Cheese leads to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Duck creates a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucent quality of their respective bottom housings, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the Cheese offering a duller sound profile and the Duck providing a sharper one. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, while the HMX Cheese and the SP-Star Duck use different housing materials, the unique characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate contribute to their distinct sound profiles and user experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we see that the Cheese is lighter overall. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Duck has no specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 58 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Cheese. When considering weight, lighter switches like the Cheese are ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches like the Duck provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch falls into the category of a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Duck switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more defined key press sensation.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch stands out for its crisp and poppy sound profile, making typing a satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more subtle and clean sound signature, providing a gentle typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Cheese switch is known for its smoothness and pristine typing feel, while the Duck switch offers a mild and approachable tactile sensation. The Duck switch also boasts a buttery and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cheese switch excelling in crisp sound and smooth feel, and the Duck switch providing a gentle tactility and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch will depend on whether you prefer a louder, crisper sound or a more subdued, tactile feedback in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Cheese switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feel with a clean and gentle typing experience, then the Duck switch might be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and overall typing experience you are looking for when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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