The Kailh Calligraphy and HMX Swift V2 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 PA12), bottom housing (LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) vs PA30), stem material (MF (melamine formaldehyde) vs LY), spring (20 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 22 mm KOS 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 Swift V2 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, PA30 bottom housing, and LY stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Light diffuser. New stem mold only. Old housing mold. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Kailh Calligraphy | HMX Swift V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) | PA30 |
| Stem material | MF (melamine formaldehyde) | LY |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 20 mm single-stage extended KOS | 22 mm KOS 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 Kailh Calligraphy is much more widely available, but the HMX Swift V2 is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kailh Calligraphy and HMX Swift V2 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 Swift V2 sound test |
No Kailh Calligraphy sound test available. |
Comments on Kailh Calligraphy switches | Comments on HMX Swift V2 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. | Board-Versatile Acoustics: Adapts from muted thock to bright clack depending on plate/board material. LY Stem Mystery: Proprietary stem material offering low friction and self-stabilization. Unique acoustic profile defies linear norms. HMX Swift — The Switch That Whispers “Thock” in a World of Clack. Subtle nylon “thwip” — ASMR without the sharpness. 42gf actuation balances speed and intentionality for RPGs/MMOs – diykey. |
