The Kailh Calligraphy and HMX Canglan V3 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 42 g actuation, 50 g bottom-out force, 2 mm pre-travel, 3.80 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) vs modified PA12), bottom housing (LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) vs PA66), stem material (MF (melamine formaldehyde) vs modified UPE (sphere tip)), spring (20 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 20 mm single-stage). That said, they are quite 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 Kailh Calligraphy is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) top housing, LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) bottom housing, and MF (melamine formaldehyde) stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Kailh. Manufactured by Kailh. | The HMX Canglan V3 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with modified PA12 top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and modified UPE (sphere tip) stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm single-stage spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Kailh Calligraphy | HMX Canglan V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) | modified PA12 |
| Bottom housing | LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) | PA66 |
| Stem material | MF (melamine formaldehyde) | modified UPE (sphere tip) |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 20 mm single-stage extended KOS | 20 mm single-stage |
| Actuation | 42 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 50 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Kailh | - |
| Manufacturer | Kailh | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Canglan V3 is much more widely available, but the Kailh Calligraphy is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kailh Calligraphy and HMX Canglan V3 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!
Kailh Calligraphy sound test | HMX Canglan V3 sound test |
No Kailh Calligraphy sound test available. |
Comments on Kailh Calligraphy switches | Comments on HMX Canglan V3 switches |
The Calligraphy switch is definitely one of the most unique switches of 2025. Kailh went above and beyond, creating customized stem and housing molds just for the MF and LCP materials used to manufacture this switch. The results are nice. Calligraphy switches have a clean, loud, full, and clacky sound profile. These switches don't have any ticking or spring noise, not even a bit. Factory lubing is on point which makes them super smooth. Furthermore, they come with a satisfying scratchy and grainy feeling. They probably have the best non-Cherry scratch there is. Even better than Kailh BCP which was known for having the pleasing scratchy feeling – Unikeys. | HMX Canglan V3 switches are the last iteration of the Canglan series. The Canglan V3 switches are not a re-color of the Canglan V2 or any other existing HMX switches. The reasons are as follows: Canglan V3 switches are made with HMX's new housing and stem mold. Canglan V3 is the first HMX switch that uses the sphere stem tip to lower the pitch and deepen the sound profile. A UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing with no fiberglass are chosen this time, also to achieve a deep and thocky sound – unikeys. |
