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The HMX K01 and HMX Black Cat switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different top housing (PA66 Nylon (matted surface) vs PA12 Nylon), bottom housing (PA66 Nylon vs P3), spring (18 mm single-stage KOS vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (45 g vs 35 g), bottom-out force (57 g vs 48 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 2.50 mm), total travel (3.80 mm vs 3 mm). That said, they are only slightly 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 HMX Black Cat is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, P3 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 35g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX K01 | HMX Black Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA66 Nylon (matted surface) | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | P3 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 18 mm single-stage KOS | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 45 g | 35 g |
| Bottom-out | 57 g | 48 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 3 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! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. |
| Designer | Unikeys | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that availability of the HMX K01 and HMX Black Cat switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX K01 and HMX Black Cat 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 | HMX Black Cat sound test |
No HMX Black Cat sound test available. |
Comments on HMX K01 switches | Comments on HMX Black Cat 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 Black Cat tactile switch is a clacky-sounding long-pole tactile switch manufactured by HMX. Unlike most short travel HMX tactile switches, the Black Cat tactiles have a PA12 top housing instead of a PC one. The PA12 material is better for calming down the overall top-out sound to make it not too shrill. With the POM stem and P3 bottom housing, the Black Cat switch overall sounds very pleasant. The tactile bump is very close to a D shape, like the retro J or Hydra switches. It's rounded and very comfortable to type on – Unikeys. |
