The HMX Sandstorm and HMX K01 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature PA66 Nylon bottom housing, POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different top housing (PC vs PA66 Nylon (matted surface)), spring (22 mm single-stage vs 18 mm single-stage KOS), actuation (50 g vs 45 g), bottom-out force (58 g vs 57 g), pre-travel (2.30 mm vs 2 mm), total travel (3.10 mm vs 3.80 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 HMX K01 is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 Nylon (matted surface) top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm single-stage KOS spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 57g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Unikeys. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Sandstorm | HMX K01 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PA66 Nylon (matted surface) |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage | 18 mm single-stage KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 50 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 58 g | 57 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.30 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.10 mm | 3.80 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. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. |
| Designer | - | Unikeys |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
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 HMX K01 is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Sandstorm and HMX K01 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 | HMX K01 sound test |
No HMX Sandstorm sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Sandstorm switches | Comments on HMX K01 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 HMX K01 tactile switch is HMX's first-ever light-tactile switch to be released. The smaller tactile bump creates a comfortable typing feel with moderate tactile feedback, which is optimal for long-term typing duty and daily use. Technically, these are a long pole switch, but the stem pole is not extended by much; A 3.8mm travel distance makes the bottom out solid but not abrupt. Material-wise, we went with the classic non-modified PA66 housing and POM stem for the K01 light tactile switch; Such material choice maintains the classic HMX clack and doesn't make the switch sound overly loud and high-pitched. They sound clean and crisp overall, and I don't have to tell you how pleasant they will sound on your keyboard. The top housing comes with a matted texture just like the HMX Sonja and Sonja HC switches to create a grainy, scratchy feeling during typing. Important to note: When buying X90 or more switches, they will come in our brand-new switch container – Unikeys. |
