The HMX Toast and HMX Ash switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 Nylon top housing, 3.60 mm total travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (P4 (25% fiberglass) vs PA66 Nylon), stem material (H2 (POM+PTFE) vs POK), stem shape (standard (spherical stem tip) vs standard), spring (22 mm single-stage extended KOS vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (45 g vs 40 g), bottom-out force (53 g vs 48 g), pre-travel (1.80 mm vs 2 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 Toast is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, P4 (25% fiberglass) bottom housing, and H2 (POM+PTFE) stem (standard (spherical stem tip) shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 1.80mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Rena Lab. Manufactured by HMX. | The HMX Ash is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Key of Life. Manufactured by HMX. |
|
|
| Name | HMX Toast | HMX Ash |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 Nylon | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | P4 (25% fiberglass) | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | H2 (POM+PTFE) | POK |
| Stem shape | standard (spherical stem tip) | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS | single-stage extended KOS |
| Actuation | 45 g | 40 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 48 g |
| Pre-travel | 1.80 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.60 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. | 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. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. |
| Designer | Rena Lab | Key of Life |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Ash is available at a single shop at the moment, while the HMX Toast can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Toast and HMX Ash 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!
Comments on HMX Toast switches | Comments on HMX Ash switches |
Isn't this the cutest switch you have seen? The adorable light diffuser was designed by Rena Lab and custom-made by HMX. It is recommended to use a transparent keycap set with these switches, as you will see these little toasts shine up one by one on your keyboard – Unikeys. | The HMX Ash linear switch is one of the most balanced HMX switches. The POK stem is perfect for creating a clean clacky sound profile without making it too loud. The PA12 top housing is one of the best, if not the best material for ultimate smoothness. The bottom housing is pure PA66 which is the most reliable and classic housing material you could see on a switch. Overall, Ash switches come with a great sound and great feel. It has the signature HMX features, and is a great option for anyone who enjoys nice sounding keyboard – Unikeys. |
