The HMX Puppy and HMX Firecracker switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, - g , - mm , 2.50 mm pre-travel, 3.50 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA22 Nylon vs P3), bottom housing (P4 Nylon vs P6), stem material (H2 (POM+PTFE) vs POK), spring (22 mm single-stage vs 22 mm single-stage KOS), actuation (37 g vs 40 g), bottom-out force (43 g vs 58 g). 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 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 Firecracker is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with P3 top housing, P6 bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage KOS spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Yowzers. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Puppy | HMX Firecracker |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA22 Nylon | P3 |
| Bottom housing | P4 Nylon | P6 |
| Stem material | H2 (POM+PTFE) | POK |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage | 22 mm single-stage KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 37 g | 40 g |
| Bottom-out | 43 g | 58 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3.50 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 | - | Yowzers |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Firecracker is much more widely available, but the HMX Puppy is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Puppy and HMX Firecracker 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 Firecracker 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. | Enter the HMX Firecracker, a tactile switch designed by yowzer, a fellow tactile enthusiast. A switch the New York Times calls a revelation and HMX calls give me your freight forwarding address. Feel: A snappy and slightly pronounced bump. Sound: Kinda deep kinda clacky – KeebzNCables. The HMX Firecracker Tactile switch is designed by our dear friend Yowzers. These amazing switches feature a P-shaped tactile bump, which makes them super satisfying to type with. Material-wise, this is the first HMX tactile switch that uses a POK stem. Paired with the nylon housing, the POK stem creates a full, clacky, but not overly loud bottom-out sound – Unikeys. |