The Keygeek B1 and HMX Taro Ball switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 top housing, standard stem shape, 45 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) vs P2), stem material (M4 strengthened POM vs H2), spring (21 mm single-stage Japanese wire vs 22 mm KOS single-stage extended), bottom-out force (55 g vs 53 g), total travel (3.70 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 Keygeek B1 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) bottom housing, and M4 strengthened POM stem (standard shape). It features a 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Keygeek. | 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. |
|
|
| Name | Keygeek B1 | HMX Taro Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) | P2 |
| Stem material | M4 strengthened POM | H2 |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended |
| Actuation | 45 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 55 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.70 mm | 3.60 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. |
| Designer | - | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | Keygeek | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Taro Ball is not available at the moment, while the Keygeek B1 can be found in 2 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Keygeek B1 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!
Keygeek B1 sound test | HMX Taro Ball sound test |
No HMX Taro Ball sound test available. |
Comments on Keygeek B1 switches | Comments on HMX Taro Ball switches |
What if I tell you the Keygeek B1 switches are the clackiest switch so far on earth? The keygeek B1 linear switch is the first ever switch that uses a nylon bottom housing with 50% fiberglass added. The M4 strengthened POM stem and the N5 nylon bottom housing are born for one thing: To create the clackiest switch possible – Unikeys. | 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. |
