HMX Cheese vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. Among the many options available, the HMX Cheese and the TTC Yunhai stand out as two exceptional linear switches, each offering a unique tactile experience. The HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness and a delightfully clacky, poppy sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a light touch and auditory feedback while typing; they're lighter than 90% of all switches, which adds to their appeal. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches bring forth a distinct typing experience with a deep, rounded sound profile, coupled with an ultra-light actuation force designed for typists who enjoy a gentle, effortless feel. While both switches offer the advantages of smoothness and low resistance, their sound profiles and tactile feedback cater to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and TTC Yunhai are both crafted using nylon for their switch housings, encompassing both the top and bottom portions. This shared use of nylon is significant, as it lays the foundation for a comparable auditory experience when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound to a greater extent than harder materials, which contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile. This characteristic is consistent across both the Cheese and Yunhai switches, making them excellent options for users seeking a muted, rounded auditory signature while typing. The similarities in housing materials ensure that users of both switches can expect a similar typing experience that prioritizes sound absorption and richness.
On the other hand, while both switches employ nylon for their top and bottom housings, the overall switch performance may still vary based on other design factors such as spring resistance, stem compatibility, and overall construction. Even though the nylon's impact on sound profile remains constant, the interaction between these elements can influence the tactile feedback experienced by users. The design philosophy behind each switch may lead to variations in bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed or released, highlighting that while the material is an essential aspect, the nuanced differences in design can still result in distinct typing experiences.
Ultimately, both the HMX Cheese and TTC Yunhai switches serve as prime examples of the benefits of using nylon in switch construction. Their shared material leads to a consistent sound profile that emphasizes deeper and fuller tones while typing, fostering a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Given that both switches utilize the same material for both the top and bottom housings, they are likely to yield similar auditory results, allowing users to enjoy the advantages of nylon regardless of their choice between the two switch types. This compatibility underscores the notion that while mechanical switch nuances exist, material choices remain foundational in providing a desired sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Yunhai is slightly lighter at 42 grams; this means the Yunhai requires a marginally lesser force to trigger a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Cheese switch bottoms out at 46 grams, compared to the Yunhai’s slightly heavier 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches provide a light typing experience, the Yunhai offers an even lighter actuation feel but a heavier bottom out experience. In summary, for typists seeking a very light touch, the Yunhai may be preferable, although those desiring a firmer feel at the bottom of the keystroke might lean towards the Cheese switch.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Cheese and TTC Yunhai linear switches provide a clear distinction between the two options. The HMX Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Yunhai measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that if you choose the HMX Cheese, you'll experience a slightly shorter travel distance that may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it falls within the trend of shorter distances. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a bit more depth, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance is minimal, but it may influence your preference depending on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more traditional typing experience.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switch stands out with its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, creating an engaging auditory experience as you type. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a keyboard that provides more acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is characterized by its deep, rounded sound profile, offering a more subdued but equally unique auditory experience that is less harsh but still enjoyable. Both switches' sound characteristics are influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning one could achieve a harmonious typing environment with either switch, depending on personal preferences.
When considering the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese is noted for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that enhances the overall ergonomics of both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. Its ultra-light actuation force makes it responsive and easy to press. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai also boasts an incredibly light actuation force, paired with a gentle, effortless feel that caters well to typists who prefer delicate keystrokes. While both switches prioritize lightness in actuation, the Cheese emphasizes an exceptionally smooth experience, whereas the Yunhai focuses on its rounded tactile feedback.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and TTC Yunhai switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Cheese excels in providing a clacky and smooth experience ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback, the Yunhai is more suited for users who seek a deeper, muted sound combined with a gentle touch. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the lively character of the Cheese or the subtlety of the Yunhai, both switches promise an enjoyable typing journey, especially if matched with the right keyboard and keycap configuration.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, consider your preferences regarding sound and feel. If you favor an ultra-light typing experience and enjoy a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, the Cheese switch would be an excellent fit for your needs. Its lower actuation force of 46 grams means you can type rapidly with minimal resistance, making it perfect for gamers or typists who want a lively and engaging feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more rounded sound profile paired with a gentle touch, the Yunhai switch is your best bet. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, it still maintains that light feel while providing a more subdued auditory experience, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and ease are priorities. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you lean more towards a crisp, energetic typing style or a smooth and immersive experience.
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