HMX Cheese vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and HMX SU offer distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, coupled with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that can provide an element of fun and excitement during use. Weighing in as one of the lightest switches available, it allows for easy and rapid keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers or those who prefer a quick, responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch, with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, offers a more subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that caters to users seeking a balanced auditory feedback without being overly noisy. While both switches belong to the linear category, the differences in sound and feel can significantly impact your overall 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the HMX SU share a notable similarity, as both models feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This unified material choice implies that the switches in both keyboards will deliver an analogous auditory experience when typing. Nylon is renowned for its ability to soften sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The result is a typing experience that can be described as more muted and rounded, minimizing the sharper tones that harder plastics often produce.
While the top and bottom housings of both the Cheese and the SU are the same, the interaction of each housing in the typing experience is crucial in understanding how sound and feel are generated. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Since both models are constructed with identical nylon materials, users can expect a cohesive sound experience where the sound characteristics of both the bottom and the top housing complement each other effectively. This similarity ensures that the tactile feedback and auditory feedback during typing remain consistent across both the HMX Cheese and the HMX SU.
In essence, despite any design differences that might exist between the HMX Cheese and the HMX SU, the essential characteristic imparted by the nylon material in both top and bottom housings leads to a parallel typing experience. The combined qualities of nylon in both keyboards lead to a cohesive sound profile that helps reduce harshness while providing a rounded auditory feedback. Thus, regardless of any variations in layout or key design, users can anticipate a nearly identical performance in terms of sound and feel when utilizing either keyboard due to the uniformity of the housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both offer light actuation forces, with the Cheese at 43 grams and the SU slightly heavier at 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cheese again has a lower measurement at 46 grams compared to the SU's 50 grams. Therefore, the Cheese is the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for users who prioritize longer typing sessions and gaming comfort. In contrast, the SU provides a slightly more substantial feel due to its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push during typing. Despite their differences, both switches share a similar lightness that will appeal to users looking for a softer keystroke experience, but the Cheese may be more advantageous for extended use.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cheese switch offers a marginally shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers who favor shorter distances for faster actuation. Conversely, the SU switch, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, may provide a more traditional feel that some users prefer for a more tactile experience. While both switches are relatively close in their travel distance, the distinction between 3.5 mm and 3.6 mm might be enough for users to choose based on their preference for either responsiveness or a deeper 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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 offers a distinctively clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, making it an engaging auditory experience for typists and gamers alike. This satisfying sound signature sets it apart as one of the most enjoyable switches in its class, particularly given its ultra-light nature. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch features a more subtle and relatively deep sound profile, characterized by its PA12 housing and T5 stem. While the two switches provide contrasting auditory experiences, the ultimate sound quality will also depend on the keyboard construction, choice of keycaps, and individual user preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are praised for their unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that many users find enjoyable. Their ultra-light actuation makes them particularly responsive, enhancing the overall feedback during typing. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switches, while also delivering a comfortable typing experience, tend to provide a slightly more subdued feel compared to the Cheese. The combination of their unique housing and stem gives them a distinguished quality that some typists may prefer, particularly those who appreciate a deeper feedback sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and HMX SU linear switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cheese excels in providing a lively sound and an ultra-smooth feel, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize an enjoyable auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the SU offers a deeper sound and distinct feel, which may attract users seeking a more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual taste, although both can yield satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and love a smooth, satisfying keystroke accompanied by a clacky, poppy sound, the Cheese switch is likely the better choice for you. Its 46-gram bottom out force and unique sound signature make it ideal for those who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a more modest yet deeper sound profile, you may find the HMX SU more to your liking, especially due to its 50-gram bottom out force and robust PA12 housing which lends itself to a more substantial type feel. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you seek that ultra-light, crisp ‘cheese’ experience or the deeper, more pronounced feedback from the SU. Evaluate what aspects matter most for your typing needs, and let that guide your decision.
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