The HMX Hydra and Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) 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 , however, they come with different bottom housing (P2 vs Nylon), spring (22 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 22 mm two-stage gold-plated), actuation (42 g vs 59 g), bottom-out force (50 g vs 67 g), pre-travel (2.30 mm vs 2 mm), total travel (3.10 mm vs 3.40 mm). That said, they are moderately 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 Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm two-stage gold-plated spring. The 59g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 67g bottom-out occurs at 3.40mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | HMX Hydra | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | P2 | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS | 22 mm two-stage gold-plated |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 42 g | 59 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 67 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.30 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.10 mm | 3.40 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 | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) 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 Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) 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!
HMX Hydra force curve | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) force curve |
No HMX Hydra force curve available. |
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HMX Hydra sound test | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) sound test |
No HMX Hydra sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Hydra switches | Comments on Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) 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. | We are super excited to be offering these Baby Kangaroo switches. We experience a crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a marbley sound profile when using them – Milktooth. |
