HMX Cheese vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese and the HMX Xinhai. The HMX Cheese is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch embodies a perfect blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. While the Cheese offers a lighter touch and unique sound profile, the Xinhai provides a bouncy, clacky, and creamy 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
37g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the HMX Xinhai have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its relatively stiffer plastic composition. While both materials are effective in enhancing sound quality, the nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a duller and rounder sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai provides a more clear and resonant sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the HMX Cheese and the HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of the nylon top housing. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the similarities in material for the bottom housings, each switch still maintains its unique sound profile due to the different top housing materials used. This demonstrates how the combination of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of a switch.
When comparing the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials of a switch, it becomes evident that each plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, manufacturers can effectively balance the sound characteristics of a switch to achieve the desired typing experience. While the HMX Cheese and the HMX Xinhai may have different top housing materials, their consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar depth and fullness in sound production that typifies both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Cheese switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams, making the Xinhai switch lighter in this aspect. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Cheese at 46 grams and the Xinhai at 45 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai switch would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the Cheese switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired weight of keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable to the average user, but those who prefer a bit more depth in the keypress may find the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Cheese switch to be slightly more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch presents a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, embodying a blend of sophistication and precision. While the Cheese switch delivers a sharper and brighter sound, the Xinhai switch offers a smoother and more refined auditory feedback, catering to different preferences in sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, ensuring a luxurious feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and providing a rebound effect when pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch also boasts a creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation that makes typing a delightful and effortless task. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, catering to individuals with varying preferences in key feel.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cheese switch excels in delivering a sharp and satisfying sound profile along with a luxurious typing experience, the Xinhai switch offers a softer acoustics profile, bouncy feedback, and a creamy typing sensation for those seeking a more refined and distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound signature and key feel, but rest assured that both options will provide a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the specific qualities you value in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize an ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch crafted for a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch offers a unique blend of sophistication and performance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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