The HMX Puppy and HMX Hydra switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different top housing (PA22 Nylon vs PC), bottom housing (P4 Nylon vs P2), stem material (H2 (POM+PTFE) vs POM), spring (22 mm single-stage vs 22 mm single-stage extended KOS), actuation (37 g vs 42 g), bottom-out force (43 g vs 50 g), pre-travel (2.50 mm vs 2.30 mm), total travel (3.50 mm vs 3.10 mm). That said, they are not too 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 Hydra is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, P2 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2.30mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.10mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by HMX. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Puppy | HMX Hydra |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA22 Nylon | PC |
| Bottom housing | P4 Nylon | P2 |
| Stem material | H2 (POM+PTFE) | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 37 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 43 g | 50 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2.30 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3.10 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 | - | HMX |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Hydra 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 Hydra 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 Hydra 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 HMX Hydra tactile switch is designed by XLLAB and features a big almost D-shaped tactile bump similar to Retro J. It is an attempt to replicate the classic Gateron Type R's D-shaped bump, but with a touch of the signature HMX clacky sound profile and fantastic stem wobble control. Thanks to the P2 bottom housing, the Hydra switches are one of the clackiest HMX tactile switches so far – Unikeys. |
