HMX Cheese vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the Durock T1 tactile switch, there are distinct differences that set them apart. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfyingly 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 Durock T1 tactile switch stands out for its comfortable typing experience, featuring a medium bump when pressed and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The T1 is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers a distinct typing experience, with the Cheese providing a smooth and light feel, and the T1 offering a comfortable and tactile 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock T1 offer contrasting sound profiles based on their composition. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the T1's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a clear and resonant sound. While the Cheese's nylon bottom housing mirrors the top housing's qualities, the T1's nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound profile as the top housing.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Cheese and the T1 differ, they both offer similar sound profiles based on their respective nylon compositions. Both switches using nylon housings elicit a deep and full sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. However, the T1's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Cheese's nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the T1's top housing allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering aesthetic benefits alongside its sound characteristics.
The impact of the housing materials in a switch is crucial to the overall sound experience when typing. The qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of a switch are split between the key press and release moments. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Cheese and T1 offer different sound profiles based on their housing materials, the utilization of nylon in both switches ultimately results in a similar deep and full sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their weights. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a softer typing experience. In contrast, the T1 has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. While the Cheese switch allows for a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for extended typing sessions, the T1 switch caters to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock T1 tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The HMX Cheese is better suited for those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is ideal for individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, with the Cheese providing a quicker and more responsive keystroke, while the T1 offers a more deliberate and satisfying press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound, while the Durock T1 tactile switch produces a low-pitched and neutral tone, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in switch sound profiles. However, the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a comfortable and tactile typing experience with a medium bump sensation. These differences in tactile feedback provide users with distinct typing sensations, allowing for a personalized typing experience based on individual preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch provides a light and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the T1 switch offers a medium bump tactile sensation with a low-pitched sound reminiscent of rain. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If a user enjoys a lighter and smoother typing feel with a crisp sound, the Cheese switch would be ideal, whereas those who prefer a medium bump tactile feel with a low-pitched sound may lean towards the T1 switch. Both switches are sure to provide an enjoyable typing experience, tailored to meet different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Durock T1 tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a smooth and satisfying typing feel, along with a clacky and crispy sound signature, then the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a comfortable tactile bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, then the Durock T1 switch is the better choice for you. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and tactile feedback needs when making your decision between these two switches.
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