The HMX Puppy and HMX Black Cat switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, - g , - mm , 2.50 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA22 Nylon vs PA12 Nylon), bottom housing (P4 Nylon vs P3), stem material (H2 (POM+PTFE) vs POM), spring (22 mm single-stage vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (37 g vs 35 g), bottom-out force (43 g vs 48 g), total travel (3.50 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 Puppy is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA22 Nylon top housing, P4 Nylon bottom housing, and H2 (POM+PTFE) stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 37g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 43g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! 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 Puppy | HMX Black Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA22 Nylon | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | P4 Nylon | P3 |
| Stem material | H2 (POM+PTFE) | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 37 g | 35 g |
| Bottom-out | 43 g | 48 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | 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 | - | - |
| 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 Puppy and HMX Black Cat switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Puppy 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!
Comments on HMX Puppy switches | Comments on HMX Black Cat switches |
A strong, well-tuned tactile with a warmer character. The bump is pronounced, but cleanly guided and not scratchy. Sound-wise, it leans more deep and thocky, setting it apart from many brighter HMX switches. A strong choice for anyone who wants noticeable feedback paired with a fuller, more pleasant sound – MonacoKeys. | 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. |
