Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX SU. The Cherry MX Purple switches are celebrated for their refined tactile feedback, providing a short yet pronounced bump that caters to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. This switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, strikes a balance between responsiveness and feedback, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback without overly aggressive resistance. In contrast, the HMX SU is a linear switch featuring a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, which gives it a smooth keystroke and a subtly deeper sound profile. This makes the HMX SU ideal for users who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, perfect for long hours of work or gaming without the distraction of tactile bumps. Each switch has its unique advantages, appealing to different preferences in typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When it comes to housing materials, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX SU utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant as nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Given that both switches employ nylon, users can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by a soft, absorbent quality that contributes to a duller and rounder sound. This acoustic consistency can enhance the typing experience by minimizing sharp, unpleasant sounds often associated with the use of harder plastics.
The nylon housing in both switches, whether top or bottom, plays a pivotal role in shaping the tactile and acoustic characteristics of each keystroke. Since both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX SU share identical housing materials, the overall typing feel will be closely aligned. This means that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a consistent bottom-out sensation and sound quality due to the nylon's softer composition, which helps absorb vibrations. Thus, the tactile feedback would feel similar across both switches, making them highly comparable for users who place importance on sound and feel while typing.
Even when considering the distinct roles of the top and bottom housings within these switches, the similarity in material ensures that the qualities of nylon will be distributed evenly, contributing to an overall cohesive typing experience. Users will notice that both switches maintain the nylon's characteristic sound signature during both the actuation and release of the key press. Hence, those looking for a specific auditory feedback and tactile experience can be confident that whether they choose the Cherry MX Purple RGB or the HMX SU, they will receive similar results, reinforcing the reputation of nylon as a preferred switch housing material in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find that they share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the initial pressure needed to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the HMX SU has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unknown. The additional 5 grams of resistance in the HMX SU could appeal to users who prefer a firmer feel when pressing the keys down completely, as it provides a more substantial feedback compared to the MX Purple RGB, which could be perceived as being lighter since there is no specified bottom out force. Overall, those who favor a softer touch may lean towards the MX Purple RGB due to its potentially lighter bottom-out sensation, whereas those who appreciate a heavier feel throughout their typing experience might find the HMX SU's bottom-out force more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Cherry MX Purple RGB measuring 4 mm and the HMX SU at 3.6 mm. This means that the MX Purple RGB switch has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and potentially a more satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate deeper keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences in feel and performance, the choice boils down to an individual's preference for deeper keystrokes versus rapid responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches create a refined auditory experience characterized by a moderate volume level that boasts a distinct tactile bump upon actuation. This gives the typing experience a satisfying feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switches produce a subtle yet deeper sound profile, thanks to their PA12 housing combined with a T5 stem. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a sharper tactile feedback sound, both switches create unique auditory signatures that can be enhanced or altered based on the specific keyboard construction and choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a well-defined tactile experience, marked by a short and medium-strength bump that provides clear feedback during typing. This tactility is designed to engage users without being overly pronounced, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX SU switches, being a linear type, feature a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, resulting in a more fluid yet less pronounced sensation during use. This makes the SU switches ideal for gamers or those who prefer a cleaner keystroke without interruption, contrasting the tactile nature of the MX Purple RGB.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX SU switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you appreciate a tactile bump with a refined sound profile, the MX Purple RGB may suit you better, while the HMX SU offers a deeper, smoother experience without any tactile feedback. Your decision will hinge on whether you prefer that satisfying tactile response or a seamless and smooth keystroke, along with how the overall combination with your keyboard affects sound and feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, your specific typing or gaming needs will largely dictate your preference. If you enjoy a noticeable tactile bump and seek a refined typing experience that balances comfort with feedback, the MX Purple RGB is the better choice. Its medium-strength bump, developed with contributions from keyboard enthusiasts, can enhance your typing accuracy and satisfaction, making it ideal for both casual use and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke characteristic of linear switches or if you find the sound profile of your typing to be an essential factor, the HMX SU could be the way to go. Its lighter actuation force and deeper sound profile can provide a satisfying experience, particularly when typing quickly or gaming, where a whisper-quiet operation is advantageous. Ultimately, consider the traits of each switch in relation to your personal comfort, sound preferences, and usage scenarios to select the one that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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