The Invokeys x Alas Nightshade and HMX Taro switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent linear breed. They both feature POM stem material, however, they come with different top housing (POK vs PC), bottom housing (Nylon vs PA66), stem shape (dust-proof with silicone silencer vs standard), spring (18 mm single-stage vs 22 mm), bottom-out force (63.5 g vs 53 g), total travel (4 mm vs 3.80 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 Invokeys x Alas Nightshade is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with POK top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (dust-proof with silicone silencer shape). It features a 18 mm single-stage spring. The 63.5g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Invokeys in collaboration with Alas. Manufactured by Wikuo/LICHICX. | 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. |
|
|
| Name | Invokeys x Alas Nightshade | HMX Taro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent linear | silent linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | POK | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | PA66 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | dust-proof with silicone silencer | standard |
| Spring | 18 mm single-stage | 22 mm |
| Actuation | - g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 63.5 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | - mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Lightly factory lubed. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Invokeys in collaboration with Alas | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | Wikuo/LICHICX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Invokeys x Alas Nightshade is not available at the moment, while the HMX Taro can be found in 3 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Invokeys x Alas Nightshade and HMX Taro 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 Invokeys x Alas Nightshade switches | Comments on HMX Taro switches |
Inspired by the dark, hazy hues of the dusk sky. The Nightshade switches expand upon our in-house offerings as a silent linear entry. The stems feature a unique multi-part construction including a custom silicone silencer that effectively reduces the bottoming and topping out sounds. With just a light touch of lubrication, these switches are smooth with the perfect amount of responsiveness from the medium length and weight spring – Invokeys. | 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. |
