HMX Cheese vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with attractive pink and clear housings. While the Cheese switch is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Strawberry switch is categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
The HMX Cheese and KTT Strawberry switches both offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Cheese's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to create a rounder sound. In comparison, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Nylon of the Cheese and the Polycarbonate of the Strawberry cater to different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cheese and Strawberry switches maintain their individual sound profiles. The Nylon material of the Cheese contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder tone when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the Polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry enhances the switch's sharp, crisp sound profile, providing a clear and resonant bottom-out feel. Despite both switches featuring different bottom housing materials, they each offer unique tactile experiences that cater to users seeking specific sound profiles in their keyboards.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Strawberry switches, it becomes evident that each material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the Nylon and Polycarbonate materials offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile, they work together to provide a balanced typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the Cheese with Nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Strawberry with Polycarbonate housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on an individual's preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is the lighter option in terms of bottom out force, requiring 46 grams compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, users will experience a similar feel with both switches. The lighter bottom out force of the Cheese may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Strawberry has a longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Cheese provides a slightly shorter keypress compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Cheese due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Strawberry with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of keypress depth, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual user's preference for keypress 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 $3.99.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, offering an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but it is known for its light tactile feedback and smooth actuation. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as being frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This means that the Strawberry switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction, resulting in a fluid and polished keystroke sensation.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cheese switch provides a satisfying clacky sound and light tactile feedback, while the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched and smooth typing experience with various descriptors like frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience, you can expect similar results from both switches with subtle differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 46 grams and enjoy a smooth and crispy typing experience with a satisfying sound signature, the HMX Cheese linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and value smooth actuation, comfort, and reliability, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is a great choice.Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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