Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX SU

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and HMX SU present distinct yet compelling options catering to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Brown switches are celebrated for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience characterized by gentle tactility and understated audio feedback. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who enjoy a blend of tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, making them ideal for both office environments and home setups. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switches provide an entirely different feel, featuring a full PA12 housing combined with a T5 stem that delivers a subtly deep sound profile. This linear switch design offers a smooth keypress without tactile bumps or clicks, appealing to those who prioritize an uninterrupted typing experience—perfect for gamers and typists who prefer fluid motion. Ultimately, both switches present unique advantages to suit various user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

HMX SU Linear

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX SU switches feature nylon as their primary housing material, which is a notable point of similarity between the two. This shared material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often appreciate. The construction of nylon allows the switches to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a muted and softer auditory experience. For both switches, the nylon design creates a resonance that is less pronounced than that found in harder plastic alternatives, contributing to a more pleasant typing environment. Thus, users of either the MX Brown or the HMX SU can expect similar acoustic properties, characterized by a duller and rounder sound when typing.

When examining the bottom housings of the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX SU, we see that both, once again, utilize nylon. This consistency means that the bottom-out sound and feel experienced during key presses will be alike for both switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottoming-out impact, users will perceive a comparable tactile feedback when their fingers meet the keyboard base. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound further enhances the typing experience by ensuring that any auditory feedback at the bottoming point is not overly sharp, instead contributing to the overall subdued sound profile characteristic of these switches.

While the top housing of both switches is also made from nylon, reinforcing the consistency in sound absorption across both components, it is crucial to note the combined effects of different housings on the overall typing experience. If either switch had different top or bottom housing materials, the qualities experienced would be characterized by a split in tactile and auditory experiences, influenced by the respective contributions of the top and bottom housings. Since the MX Brown and HMX SU utilize the same material for both components, users will find that the transition between pressing a key and releasing it is smooth and cohesive, resulting in an integrated typing experience that capitalizes on the benefits of nylon in both housings.

Weight

The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a lightweight typing experience that can be beneficial for extended use, whether in a busy workplace or during long gaming sessions. However, they diverge in their bottom out forces; the Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the HMX SU, which sits at a bottom out force of 50 grams. This small difference in bottom out force suggests that while both switches feel similar during the initial actuation, the Cherry MX Brown provides a slightly more substantial push feel at the end of the keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a lighter overall feel, the HMX SU may be the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback might lean towards the Cherry MX Brown.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a preference for traditional and tactile feedback in the MX Brown, offering a more substantial key press that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the HMX SU linear switch caters to those who favor quicker key presses, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Brown is the better option, while the HMX SU will provide a snappier feel for quicker actions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Cherry MX Brown switches is characterized by a subtle yet satisfying auditory experience. They are described as having a bassy, low-pitched quality, which gives them a deeper and more resonant tone when keys are pressed. This sound is mellow, providing a pleasant auditory environment without being overly distracting, making them ideal for both office settings and home use. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch's sound characteristics are currently unknown; however, since sound is influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users could potentially achieve a consistently pleasing sound with proper combinations.

When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Browns offer a textured experience, known for their noticeable tactile bump that provides feedback while typing. This added friction enhances typing accuracy and gives users a sense of connection with each key press. The tactile nature allows for a rewarding experience, making them appealing to a wide range of typists. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX SU switch is currently unknown, leaving a gap in comparison. If you opt for the SU switch, you'll discover if its feel aligns with your preferences once you get your hands on it.

In summary, both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX SU switches have unique attributes. The MX Browns shine with their rich, low-pitched sound and textured tactile feedback, making them ideal for users who value subtlety in their typing experience. While the sound profile of the SU remains a mystery, it promises a full-body auditory experience due to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. The feel of the SU is also unknown, which invites exploration. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference, with the MX Browns offering a well-established option while the SU could present a new experience once evaluated firsthand.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and the HMX SU linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you lean towards a more tactile experience and appreciate subtle feedback with a moderate sound profile, the Cherry MX Browns are an excellent choice. Their medium-light actuation force along with their textured feel makes them great for both typing and gaming, providing a satisfying sensation when you press down and release each key. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter keypress with a lighter bottom-out force, the HMX SU linear switches may be better suited for you. With their soft, deep sound and gentle actuation, they excel in environments where noise reduction is crucial, making them ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which features enhance your typing experience, whether it's the tactile feedback of the MX Browns or the smooth fluidity of the HMX SUs.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more