HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two notable options in this realm are the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Weightlessness. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, characterized by an ultra-light feel that is lighter than 90% of all switches. This switch delivers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a responsive and lively keypress. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a distinct tactile experience with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy. Its balanced sound profile pairs seamlessly with the tactile characteristics, creating a keyboard experience that feels both satisfying and engaging. Choosing between these two switches ultimately boils down to whether you prefer a more fluid, linear action or a tactile response that provides feedback during typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and Gateron Weightlessness both utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom components of the switches. Nylon is renowned for its ability to enhance the sound profile of switches, attributing a deeper and fuller auditory experience to the user. This similarity is crucial, as the softness of nylon plays a significant role in sound absorption, effectively muffling sharper sounds and creating a more muted, rounded acoustic signature. As a result, typing on switches made from nylon, like these two options, yields a comparable sound profile, focusing on a more enjoyable and pleasant typing experience.
With both switches employing identical housing materials, the tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics that users experience will be strikingly similar. When pressing down on either switch, the softer nature of the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a cohesive experience across both products. Meanwhile, the top housing similarly influences the releasing sound as the key is lifted, resulting in a consistent auditory feedback that users can expect from both the HMX Cheese and Gateron Weightlessness. The use of the same nylon material throughout both switches helps ensure that users will not notice a drastic difference in performance or sound profile when transitioning from one to the other.
While the HMX Cheese and Gateron Weightlessness switches share the same nylon housing on both the top and bottom, the interplay between these materials and the overall switch design could still lead to subtle variations in typing feel and feedback. Factors such as stem design, actuation force, and spring tension may introduce slight differences that contribute to the overall typing experience. However, since both switches begin with a common foundation of nylon, users will be able to rely on the deep and rounded sound profile as an inherent characteristic of both models, making them interchangeable in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback while providing room for individual preferences in typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces. The HMX Cheese has a light actuation force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience, especially during prolonged use. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness remains unknown, complicating direct comparisons. The HMX Cheese has a bottom out force of 46 grams, which allows for a consistent feel when bottoming out. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for long typing sessions may find the HMX Cheese more suitable, while the Gateron Weightlessness caters to users who appreciate a firmer push for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the former features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the latter has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Cheese switch offers a slightly deeper feel compared to the Weightlessness, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press. While both switches are relatively short compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the Cheese switch provides a marginally more forgiving experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a hearty depth. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch, being the shorter of the two, may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, although it could feel a bit more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 is characterized by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more lively acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a more subtle to moderate sound, which balances well with its tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, meaning that the final auditory experience can vary.
When analyzing the feel of each switch, the HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that feels exceptionally light under the fingers. This ultra-light switch, being lighter than 90% of its counterparts, contributes to a seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a noticeable tactile bump that gives users feedback without being overly aggressive. The balanced tactile feel of the Weightlessness makes it a solid choice for typists who appreciate a gentle but distinct indication of actuation while still benefiting from a smooth typing experience.
In summary, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a vibrant, crispy sound and an ultra-smooth feel that is ideal for those who seek an engaging and lightweight typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch strikes a balance with its moderate sound profile and gentle tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a more subdued urging during key presses. With their distinct characteristics, each switch provides a unique typing experience, and your preferences will ultimately guide you to the most suitable option, whether you desire the lively engagement of the Cheese or the controlled feedback of the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing styles should guide your choice. If you favor a lighter switch that provides a remarkably smooth and satisfying typing experience, the HMX Cheese, with its unique clacky and poppy sound signature, will likely resonate with you. Its lesser actuation force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, where you want minimal resistance and a rapid response. Conversely, if you appreciate having some tactile feedback while typing, the Gateron Weightlessness could be a better fit. Offering a balanced sound profile along with subtle to moderate tactile sensations, these switches can enhance your typing experience if you enjoy that distinct "bump." Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on your typing preferences—whether you prioritize a soft, slick feel, or a more tactile and engaging experience.
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