The HMX K01 and GAZZEW Boba U4 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , 45 g actuation, - mm , however, they come with different top housing (PA66 Nylon (matted surface) vs proprietary Gazzew blend), bottom housing (PA66 Nylon vs proprietary Gazzew blend), spring (18 mm single-stage KOS vs 14 mm stainless seel), bottom-out force (57 g vs 62 g), total travel (3.80 mm vs 3.60 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 K01 is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 Nylon (matted surface) top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm single-stage KOS spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 57g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Unikeys. Manufactured by HMX. | The GAZZEW Boba U4 is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 14 mm stainless seel spring. The operating force is 45g. The 62g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Gazzew. Manufactured by Outemu. |
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| Name | HMX K01 | GAZZEW Boba U4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA66 Nylon (matted surface) | proprietary Gazzew blend |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | proprietary Gazzew blend |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 18 mm single-stage KOS | 14 mm stainless seel |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 45 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 57 g | 62 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | - mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 3.60 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. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. | Factory lubing? Yes! lightly factory lubed |
| Designer | Unikeys | Gazzew |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Outemu |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX K01 is much more widely available, but the GAZZEW Boba U4 is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX K01 and GAZZEW Boba U4 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 K01 sound test | GAZZEW Boba U4 sound test |
No GAZZEW Boba U4 sound test available. |
Comments on HMX K01 switches | Comments on GAZZEW Boba U4 switches |
The HMX K01 tactile switch is HMX's first-ever light-tactile switch to be released. The smaller tactile bump creates a comfortable typing feel with moderate tactile feedback, which is optimal for long-term typing duty and daily use. Technically, these are a long pole switch, but the stem pole is not extended by much; A 3.8mm travel distance makes the bottom out solid but not abrupt. Material-wise, we went with the classic non-modified PA66 housing and POM stem for the K01 light tactile switch; Such material choice maintains the classic HMX clack and doesn't make the switch sound overly loud and high-pitched. They sound clean and crisp overall, and I don't have to tell you how pleasant they will sound on your keyboard. The top housing comes with a matted texture just like the HMX Sonja and Sonja HC switches to create a grainy, scratchy feeling during typing. Important to note: When buying X90 or more switches, they will come in our brand-new switch container – Unikeys. | The Gazzew Boba U4 Switch combines a smooth tactile feeling with a silent sound – keygem. |
