The HMX Taro and Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent linear breed. They both feature PC top housing, POM stem material, however, they come with different bottom housing (PA66 vs PC), stem shape (standard vs partial box), spring (22 mm vs 20 mm silver-plated), actuation (45 g vs 40 g), bottom-out force (53 g vs 45 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 1.70 mm), total travel (3.80 mm vs 4 mm). That said, they are mostly 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 Taro is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Light diffuser, double-shot stem. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. | The Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PC bottom housing, and POM stem (partial box shape). It features a 20 mm silver-plated spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 1.70mm. The 45g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Ainbell. Manufactured by Kailh. |
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| Name | HMX Taro | Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent linear | silent linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | PA66 | PC |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | partial box |
| Spring | 22 mm | 20 mm silver-plated |
| Actuation | 45 g | 40 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 45 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 1.70 mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | XLLAB | Ainbell |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Kailh |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart is available at a single shop at the moment, while the HMX Taro can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Taro and Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart 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 Taro sound test | Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart sound test |
No HMX Taro sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Taro switches | Comments on Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart switches |
The Taro silent linear switch is the newest MX style silent linear switch made by HMX. Different from previous HMX silent switches, the Taro switches utilise a double-shot stem, for a better silencing mechanism – SerpentKeys. | No comments on Kailh x Ainbell Ocean Heart switches. |