HMX Cheese vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing or gaming experience. Two noteworthy options in the HMX lineup are the HMX Cheese and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both linear switches famed for their unique characteristics. The HMX Cheese switch promises an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, coupled with a satisfying clacky, poppy sound that appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback. With its ultra-light feel, being lighter than 90% of all switches, the Cheese is perfect for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is tailor-made for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm—ideal for rapid-fire inputs that can give players a competitive edge. Its bright, clacky sound profile combined with a remarkably smooth push feel makes it a standout choice for quick and responsive gameplay. While both switches offer their distinct advantages, such as sound preference and actuation force, understanding their finer details is crucial for determining which switch best meets your individual needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and HMX Vintage Citrus share notable similarities in their housing materials, as both models are constructed with nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is praised for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is achieved by its relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound better, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. As both models utilize this classic switch housing material, users can expect a consistent sound signature that minimizes harshness and accentuates a warm, plush keystroke experience.
While the HMX Cheese and HMX Vintage Citrus employ the same nylon housing components, the overall typing experience similarly aligns due to their shared material properties. With nylon used for both the top and bottom housings, the impact of sound is spread evenly between the two sections, resulting in a cohesive auditory and tactile sensation. Regardless of any aesthetic differences or design choices, the fundamental characteristics provided by the nylon material ensure that users will get analogous results in terms of sound absorption and keystroke response. This can lead to a satisfying experience that emphasizes comfort and depth in every keystroke.
However, it is worth noting that even with identical housing materials, there may still be subtleties in the feedback and overall feel of each switch, based on other design factors like stem or spring configuration, should those differ between the two models. The sound profile generated when typing will remain primarily influenced by the nylon composition, ensuring a rounded and smooth experience overall. Consequently, while both the HMX Cheese and HMX Vintage Citrus deliver similar auditory qualities, potential variations in other components can still offer distinct nuances in performance, while the foundational result remains rich and satisfying.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. This difference in weight means that users who favor lighter switches for comfort during long use may lean towards the Cheese, while those who prefer a stronger feedback may opt for the Vintage Citrus. Overall, the Cheese is the lighter of the two, while the Vintage Citrus is heavier, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the HMX Cheese features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Cheese the longer option by half a millimeter. The difference in travel distance may appeal to different preferences: gamers might gravitate toward the Vintage Citrus for its shorter travel, providing a more responsive feel for quick actions, while those who appreciate a deeper keypress might prefer the HMX Cheese for its greater travel distance, offering a more substantial typing experience. Thus, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more tactile depth in your keystrokes.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 distinctive clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart from many other linear switches on the market. This makes it particularly satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright, clacky sound profile that is designed specifically for quick, responsive gaming. Both switches produce a lively sound, though the Cheese has a more pronounced character, which can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound quality of both switches may also vary depending on the keyboard frame and keycap material used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Cheese is revered for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that many users find enjoyable. This level of smoothness is critical for long typing sessions or heavy use, as it minimizes finger fatigue. The HMX Vintage Citrus, meanwhile, is geared toward gamers with its low actuation force and a remarkably smooth push feel, especially during rapid-fire keystrokes. Both switches encourage quick movements, but the Cheese’s overall smoothness and the Vintage Citrus’s specific design for speed may cater to different preferences in usage.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches have their unique strengths; the Cheese stands out for its pronounced, satisfying sound and ultra-smooth feel, while the Vintage Citrus excels in rapid actuation and fast-paced gameplay, accompanied by a bright sound profile. Users can expect a delightful typing experience with either switch, but their choice will depend on whether they prioritize an auditory experience and uniform smoothness or if they need an ultra-responsive switch for gaming. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise to deliver exceptional performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your ultimate choice will depend on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you value a lightweight feel and enjoy a smooth, satisfying typing experience with a delightful clackiness, the Cheese switch will be your ideal companion, offering a fast and effortless keypress that embodies a unique sense of enjoyment. However, if you are primarily a gamer who prioritizes rapid inputs and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch becomes your go-to option, as its lower actuation point and medium-light resistance provide an excellent balance for those lightning-fast reactions during intense gameplay. In essence, if your focus is on casual typing with a love for sound and feel, lean towards the Cheese; but if your purpose is competitive gaming with an emphasis on speed, opt for the Vintage Citrus. By aligning your choice with your personal usage style, you can ensure that your keyboard enhances your overall experience.
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