HMX Hibiscus vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the HMX Hibiscus and Cherry MX Orange switches, both of which fall under the linear category. The HMX Hibiscus switch stands out with its ultra-light actuation force and a unique sound profile that combines a clacky, poppy, and crispy tone, offering a typing feel that many find indulgently smooth and feathery. This makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a satisfying tactile experience without the weight of heavier switches. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, which is a reissue of the original MX Orange, provides a reliable and consistent linear experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for its robust performance and durability. While the MX Orange may lack the distinctive sound signature of the Hibiscus, it offers reliability and familiarity, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize longevity and steadfastness in their keystrokes. 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit remarkable similarities in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is known for its softer nature compared to other plastics. Consequently, when typing on these switches, users can expect a deeper, fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon. Due to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively, both switches produce a duller and rounder auditory response, creating a typing experience that is not only satisfying but also less harsh on the ears, making them ideal for extended typing sessions.
Although both the Hibiscus and Orange switches share the same nylon housing in both the top and bottom components, the impact of each housing's characteristics may differ depending on how they are experienced during usage. The bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when the switch is fully pressed down, affecting the bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing primarily influences the sound produced when releasing the key. As both switches utilize nylon across all housing components, users can expect a consistent quality in sound absorption and overall tactile feedback, resulting in similar acoustic experiences across both models.
In summary, the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Hibiscus and Cherry MX Orange create a cohesive typing experience, marked by a muted sound profile and satisfying tactile feedback. The nylon used in both switches enables users to enjoy a consistent auditory and tactile experience, which is essential for any typing environment. While the individual contributions of the top and bottom housings differ with respect to sound during key presses and releases, the shared use of nylon ultimately leads to comparable results. Thus, both switches cater to those who favor a quieter and more immersive typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a heftier actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting that it may appeal more to those who prefer a firmer, more substantial feel when typing. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown, which leaves a gap in comparing this specific aspect with the Hibiscus. Despite the MX Orange's stronger actuation force leading to a heavier key response overall, users who enjoy lighter switches might gravitate towards the Hibiscus for its overall softer touch. In essence, the Hibiscus is the lighter switch, while the MX Orange is the heavier option, highlighting the distinct tactile experiences they offer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Hibiscus has a shorter distance at 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange has a conventional travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm means that the Hibiscus switch is likely to provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and users who prioritize quick action and shorter key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial and deliberate typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences for either responsiveness or depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Hibiscus linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy audio profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound that enhances the typing experience. This clackiness not only makes each keystroke enjoyable but also creates a lively atmosphere while typing. On the other hand, details about the sound signature of the Cherry MX Orange switch are not specified, leaving a gap in its auditory characteristics. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound produced can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which may mitigate or enhance the sound experience for both switches.
Regarding feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is lauded for its ultra-light actuation force, which surpasses 80% of all switches, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged usage. Users can expect a bouncy sensation that offers a spring-like feedback, allowing for a lively typing experience with a noticeable rebound effect upon actuation. Additionally, the feathery lightness of the switch further reduces finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for long gaming sessions or extended typing. Conversely, the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks detailed descriptions in the current information, so we cannot directly compare it.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Cherry MX Orange switches cater to distinct typing preferences, with the Hibiscus offering a defined clacky sound and highly enjoyable tactile experience. Its light and bouncy feel makes it particularly suited for long usage, while the MX Orange switch remains an enigma in terms of both sound and feel characteristics. Therefore, if you seek an engaging auditory and tactile feedback, the Hibiscus may be the way to go, while the MX Orange might offer similar performances in other aspects yet remains uncharted in this context.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself drawn to a keyboard experience that emphasizes smoothness and lighter actuation, the HMX Hibiscus is likely the better choice for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force and satisfying clacky, poppy sound signature will enhance your typing enjoyment, especially during long sessions, making it ideal for gaming, work, or casual use. Its bouncy and feathery feel minimizes finger fatigue, which can be a significant advantage if you type or game for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional linear switch experience with a potentially unknown actuation force but a reputation for reliability and performance, the Cherry MX Orange might be right for you. It recalls the nostalgic feel of the original MX switches while offering enhancements that accommodate modern expectations. Ultimately, consider your primary activities—if you value a playful, tactile response, lean towards the Hibiscus; if you seek consistency and a classic feel, the MX Orange could be your go-to.
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