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HMX Taro Ball vs Keygeek B1 switch comparison

SummariesData sheetsPrices & OffersSound testComments

The HMX Taro Ball and Keygeek B1 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 top housing, standard stem shape, 45 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (P2 vs N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass)), stem material (H2 vs M4 strengthened POM), spring (22 mm KOS single-stage extended vs 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire), bottom-out force (53 g vs 55 g), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.70 mm). That said, they are only slightly 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!

This mechanical switch database is still a work in progress, there's still plenty to fix. Thanks for your understanding.

The HMX Taro Ball is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, and H2 stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX.

The Keygeek B1 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) bottom housing, and M4 strengthened POM stem (standard shape). It features a 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Keygeek.

HMX Taro Ball vs Keygeek B1 data sheets

NameHMX Taro BallKeygeek B1
Typelinearlinear
Footprint5-pin5-pin
Top housingPA12PA12
Bottom housingP2N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass)
Stem materialH2M4 strengthened POM
Stem shapestandardstandard
Spring22 mm KOS single-stage extended21 mm single-stage Japanese wire
Actuation45 g45 g
Bottom-out53 g55 g
Pre-travel2 mm2 mm
Total travel3.60 mm3.70 mm
LubeFactory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails.Factory lubing? Yes!
DesignerXLLAB-
ManufacturerHMXKeygeek

Prices & Offers

Where to buy HMX Taro Ball and Keygeek B1 switches?

By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Taro Ball is not available at the moment, while the Keygeek B1 can be found in 2 stores.

Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Taro Ball and Keygeek B1 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!

Sound tests

HMX Taro Ball sound test

Keygeek B1 sound test

No HMX Taro Ball sound test available.

Comments

Comments on HMX Taro Ball switches

Comments on Keygeek B1 switches

The HMX Taro Ball linear switch is XLLAB's newest design. It has an H2 modified UPE stem with a small spherical stem tip. Compared to switches that come with a big spherical stem tip, such as Canglan V3 or Sprite switches, the smaller spherical tip further solidifies the sound signature. The housing is made of PA12 and P2, the same as the Cheese and Sugar Rush switches. They work with the new H2 stem to create a thockier but still very loud bottom-out sound – Unikeys.

What if I tell you the Keygeek B1 switches are the clackiest switch so far on earth? The keygeek B1 linear switch is the first ever switch that uses a nylon bottom housing with 50% fiberglass added. The M4 strengthened POM stem and the N5 nylon bottom housing are born for one thing: To create the clackiest switch possible – Unikeys.
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