The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy and HMX Taro Ball switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different stem material (T5 vs H2), spring (22 mm vs 22 mm KOS single-stage extended), actuation (42 g vs 45 g), bottom-out force (48 g vs 53 g), total travel (3.50 mm vs 3.60 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!
The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, and T5 stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Orders of 90 switches come in bottle packaging. Designed by EILAB. Manufactured by HMX. | 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. |
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| Name | HMX x EILAB West Cowboy | HMX Taro Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | P2 | P2 |
| Stem material | T5 | H2 |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended |
| Actuation | 42 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 48 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3.60 mm |
| Lube | unknown | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. |
| Designer | EILAB | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that availability of the HMX x EILAB West Cowboy and HMX Taro Ball switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX x EILAB West Cowboy and HMX Taro Ball 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 x EILAB West Cowboy sound test | HMX Taro Ball sound test |
No HMX Taro Ball sound test available. |
Comments on HMX x EILAB West Cowboy switches | Comments on HMX Taro Ball switches |
The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy Linear Switch offers an ultra-smooth typing experience with a rich, deep thocky sound. Designed with HMX’s latest mold adjustments, this switch maintains a wobble-free feel while eliminating any potential stickiness at the top of the keypress. The West Cowboy ensures a consistently smooth and satisfying feel, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking both performance and sound. The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy Linear Switch delivers a deep and creamy bottom-out with a soft yet poppy top-out. Compared to the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Caramel Pudding switches, which were already known for their lower-pitched sound profiles, the West Cowboy takes it even further with an even deeper pitch and fuller bottom-out sound. Traditionally, HMX switches were recognized for their high-pitched and clacky sound profiles. However, the HMX x EILAB West Cowboy is part of a new generation of HMX switches, designed with updated molds and materials to achieve a thocky, full-bodied sound. If you’ve been searching for an HMX switch that truly delivers on depth, richness, and thock, the West Cowboy is the perfect choice – Lume Keebs. | 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. |
