The HMX Saru V2 and Gateron Azure Dragon V4 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, however, they come with different top housing (PA12 Nylon vs PC), bottom housing (NA2 Nylon vs PA66 Nylon), stem material (modified POM vs POM), spring (20 mm single-stage KOS vs 22 mm KOS double-stage), (58 g vs 45 g), actuation (48 g vs 55 g), bottom-out force (52 g vs 60 g), pre-travel (2.50 mm vs 2.20 mm), total travel (2.90 mm vs 3 mm). That said, they are very different. 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 Saru V2 is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, NA2 Nylon bottom housing, and modified POM stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm single-stage KOS spring. The tactile bump is 58g at 0.10mm. The 48g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 52g bottom-out occurs at 2.90mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Divinikey. 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 Saru V2 | Gateron Azure Dragon V4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 Nylon | PC |
| Bottom housing | NA2 Nylon | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | modified POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 20 mm single-stage KOS | 22 mm KOS double-stage |
| Tactile force | 58 g | 45 g |
| Actuation | 48 g | 55 g |
| Bottom-out | 52 g | 60 g |
| Tactile bump position | 0.10 mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2.20 mm |
| Total travel | 2.90 mm | 3 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Applied on all four sides of the stem, contact leaf, bottom housing rails, and bottom housing stem support. | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. |
| Designer | Divinikey | 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 Saru V2 is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Gateron Azure Dragon V4 can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Saru V2 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 Saru V2 force curve | Gateron Azure Dragon V4 force curve |
| No Gateron Azure Dragon V4 force curve available. |
HMX Saru V2 sound test | Gateron Azure Dragon V4 sound test |
Comments on HMX Saru V2 switches | Comments on Gateron Azure Dragon V4 switches |
HMX Saru V2 switches are back! The V1 first released in 2022 as a tactile switch with minimal pre- or post-bump travel. But with recent improvements in this space, we decided to bring back Saru's with HMX. The result is a medium-light, full tactile switch out of the box. After a break-in period, the lube gets more evenly distributed and starts to stand out as a light, full tactile. The combination of a light tactile bump and full tactility creates a unique typing feel that almost feels like a linear – Divinikey. | 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. |
