HMX Cheese vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, we find two distinct options with unique characteristics to consider. The HMX Cheese offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience with its ultra-light design, accompanied by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches provide a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile that is described as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own appeal and reasons why one might choose them, but 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
44g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the KTT Wine Red both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Wine Red boasts a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, the Cheese's nylon top housing may produce a mellower sound compared to the more resonant tone of the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the HMX Cheese uses nylon for its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its nylon top housing characteristics. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile comparable to its polycarbonate top housing. The utilization of different housing materials for the top and bottom of these switches ensures a dynamic sound experience, with each component playing a crucial role in the overall sound output of the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the HMX Cheese and the KTT Wine Red, both switches highlight the importance of the top and bottom housing in shaping the overall sound profile. The split qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allow users to feel the impact of each material when typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, whether it's the nylon top and bottom housing of the Cheese or the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Wine Red, each material contributes uniquely to the sound experience of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese switch is lighter overall. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Wine Red switch has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, but the Wine Red requires slightly more force to bottom out, making it a bit heavier than the Cheese. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cheese switch would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback, the Wine Red switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Cheese switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Wine Red switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual. Both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of travel distance, allowing users to select the one that best suits their preferences.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and KTT Wine Red switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cheese boasts a satisfying clacky sound with unparalleled smoothness, while the Wine Red provides a deep and rich sound profile along with a pillowy light typing feel. When it comes to sound, the Cheese offers a poppy and crispy sound signature, while the Wine Red has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, more information is needed to provide a direct comparison between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and KTT Wine Red switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, clacky typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a pillowy light type feel with a deep, rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics and it's important to test them out for yourself to see which one suits your typing preferences best. Ultimately, the decision between the HMX Cheese and KTT Wine Red switches will depend on what feels and sounds best to you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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