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The HMX Hydra and HMX Sandstorm switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature PC top housing, POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , 2.30 mm pre-travel, 3.10 mm total travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (P2 vs PA66 Nylon), spring (22 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 22 mm single-stage), actuation (42 g vs 50 g), bottom-out force (50 g vs 58 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 HMX Hydra is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, P2 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2.30mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.10mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by HMX. Manufactured by HMX. | The HMX Sandstorm is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2.30mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.10mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Hydra | HMX Sandstorm |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | P2 | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS | 22 mm single-stage |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 42 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 58 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.30 mm | 2.30 mm |
| Total travel | 3.10 mm | 3.10 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | HMX | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Sandstorm is much more widely available, but the HMX Hydra is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Hydra and HMX Sandstorm 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 HMX Hydra switches | Comments on HMX Sandstorm switches |
The HMX Hydra tactile switch is designed by XLLAB and features a big almost D-shaped tactile bump similar to Retro J. It is an attempt to replicate the classic Gateron Type R's D-shaped bump, but with a touch of the signature HMX clacky sound profile and fantastic stem wobble control. Thanks to the P2 bottom housing, the Hydra switches are one of the clackiest HMX tactile switches so far – Unikeys. | HMX Sandstorm - The latest HMX tactile switches feature a very pleasant and noticeable tactile bump, the familiar smooth HMX typing feel, and exactly the clacky sound we love from HMX! – MonacoKeys. |
