HMX Cheese vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as a silky, seamless typing experience. While the Cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Lightning Silver V3 features a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches exhibit contrasting properties that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Cheese's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear resonant properties. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Cheese's nylon housing creates a rounder and duller sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing results in a clear and crisp sound.
Despite their differences, the Nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in the Cheese and Lightning Silver V3 switches share some similarities in terms of their impact on sound and feel. Both materials are popular choices for switch housings and play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The use of nylon and polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings affects the sound profile of the switches, with nylon producing a more muted sound and polycarbonate creating a clearer, resonant sound. Additionally, the properties of these materials influence the feel of typing, as the softer nylon housing of the Cheese may provide a different tactile experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
While the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately depends on personal preference. Nylon's softer and more absorbent properties create a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, polycarbonate's stiffness and clear resonance make it a preferred option for users looking for a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether one chooses the Cheese or Lightning Silver V3, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences based on housing material.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch reveals some key differences. The Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Cheese switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a bit more resistance for a different typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Cheese has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5mm compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The difference of 0.1mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but those looking for a slightly deeper key press may prefer the Cheese switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired level of keypress 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 $4.29.
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 comparing the sound qualities, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. The Cheese switch offers a unique and light sound, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp and bright typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a sharp and snappy sound that may appeal to those looking for a more percussive typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, but specific descriptors for the feel are unknown. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as offering a silky typing experience that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This indicates that the Lightning Silver V3 switch may provide a smoother and more seamless typing feel compared to the HMX Cheese switch.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its lightness and satisfying sound, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out for its smooth and seamless typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel, you can choose between the clacky and poppy Cheese switch or the silky and smooth Lightning Silver V3 switch. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices that will provide a premium typing experience, whether you prefer a lighter and crisper sound or a smoother and more effortless feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound, and a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be your best bet. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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