The Gateron X and Kinetic Labs Hippo switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, standard stem shape, - mm pre-travel, - mm total travel, however, they come with different stem material (POM vs UHMWPE), spring (stainless steel vs 15.2 mm), bottom-out force (65 g vs 63.5 g). That said, they are quite similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Gateron X is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a stainless steel spring. The operating force is 50g. The bottom-out weight is 65g. No factory lubing. Manufactured by Gateron. | The Kinetic Labs Hippo is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and UHMWPE stem (standard shape). It features a 15.2 mm spring. The bottom-out weight is 63.5g. No factory lubing. Designed by Kinetic Labs. Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | Gateron X | Kinetic Labs Hippo |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | UHMWPE |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | stainless steel | 15.2 mm |
| Actuation | 50 g | - g |
| Bottom-out | 65 g | 63.5 g |
| Pre-travel | - mm | - mm |
| Total travel | - mm | - mm |
| Lube | No factory lubing. | No factory lubing. |
| Designer | - | Kinetic Labs |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Kinetic Labs Hippo is not available at the moment, while the Gateron X can be found in 1 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Gateron X and Kinetic Labs Hippo switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on Gateron X switches | Comments on Kinetic Labs Hippo switches |
Each bottom housing comes with an X engraving on the bottom as well as polished interiors where the stem contacts the housing. These polished areas reduce surface roughness while maintaining stem tolerances. For this initial run, Gateron X comes in the classic nylon-blend milky top, nylon black bottom, and bright yellow POM stem. These stems differ from the traditional Gateron Yellows and are from the Gateron Pro line-up. These stems were also polished prior to this production run – rectanles.store. | The first ever UHMWPE stem from Gateron. Even unlubed, the stem is extremely smooth in its stock form. 63.5g spring provides a bouncy upstroke that will keep you typing comfortably for hours. It's not all about the feel, Nylon housings provide a pleasant "thocky" sound signature while typing. Gateron Hippo switches use an ultra smooth UHMWPE stem (the first time the material is used by Gateron). UHMWPE is short for Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and it has a lower coefficient of friction when compared to other plastics, such as POM. What this ultimately means is that the material used in the stem of this switch produces less friction when compared to other switches – Kinetic Labs. |
