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The HMX Sandstorm and Gateron Azure Dragon V4 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, POM stem material, standard stem shape, - mm , however, they come with different spring (22 mm single-stage vs 22 mm KOS double-stage), actuation (50 g vs 55 g), bottom-out force (58 g vs 60 g), pre-travel (2.30 mm vs 2.20 mm), total travel (3.10 mm vs 3 mm). 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 Sandstorm is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2.30mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.10mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. | The Gateron Azure Dragon V4 is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS double-stage spring. The tactile bump is 45g. The 55g actuation occurs at 2.20mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 3mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Outva x Nuphy. Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | HMX Sandstorm | Gateron Azure Dragon V4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage | 22 mm KOS double-stage |
| Tactile force | - g | 45 g |
| Actuation | 50 g | 55 g |
| Bottom-out | 58 g | 60 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.30 mm | 2.20 mm |
| Total travel | 3.10 mm | 3 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. |
| Designer | - | Outva x Nuphy |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Sandstorm is much more widely available, but the Gateron Azure Dragon V4 is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Sandstorm and Gateron Azure Dragon V4 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 Sandstorm sound test | Gateron Azure Dragon V4 sound test |
No HMX Sandstorm sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Sandstorm switches | Comments on Gateron Azure Dragon V4 switches |
HMX Sandstorm - The latest HMX tactile switches feature a very pleasant and noticeable tactile bump, the familiar smooth HMX typing feel, and exactly the clacky sound we love from HMX! – MonacoKeys. | The Gateron Azure Dragon V4 tactile switch comes with a large tactile bump and a super short pre-travel. It uses the same stem as the Gateron Type R tactile switch. That being said, Azure Dragon V4 and Type R switches have a very similar tactile feeling. The only difference between Type R and Azure Dragon V4 is the top housing material. Azure Dragon's PC top housing makes them sound clackier than Type R – Unikeys. |
