The HMX Longjing S 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 vs PA12 Nylon), bottom housing (PA66 Nylon vs P3), spring (22 mm single-stage extended KOS vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (45 g vs 35 g), bottom-out force (50 g vs 48 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 2.50 mm), total travel (3.70 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 Longjing S is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 Nylon top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by WJBY. 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 Longjing S | HMX Black Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA66 Nylon | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | P3 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 45 g | 35 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 48 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.70 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 | WJBY | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Black Cat is much more widely available, but the HMX Longjing S is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Longjing S 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 Longjing S sound test | HMX Black Cat sound test |
No HMX Black Cat sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Longjing S switches | Comments on HMX Black Cat switches |
The HMX Longjing S tactile switch is the successor of the Gateron Longjing tactile switches. Material-wise, these two switches don't differ much, but HMX's light tactile molds make them feel and sound drastically different. Longjing S tactile switch is similar to the HMX K01 tactile switch, which delivers a mid-clacky bottom-out sound; The tactile bump is on the smaller side and similar in size to the Cherry Brown switches – Unikeys. If you're a fan of HMX K01, you'll like these too… primarily because they're pretty much a recolor. Made with a PA66 top/bottom paired with a POM stem. The tactile bump is very light with these, similar to what you would feel with Cherry Browns. Sound wise, very similar if not identical to K01. A clean, crisp clacky sound profile that isn't too loud. No ping, crunching, or any other weird noises. These are some of the best light tactiles HMX offers. Right up there with Yamatake and Valerians. I would highly recommend! – @keyboard_dad. The HMX LongJing Tea S Tactile Switch is the next evolution of the classic Gateron Longjing tactile switches. With HMX’s new tactile molds give the Longjing S a noticeably different feel and sound – LumeKeebs. | 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. |
