The Keygeek Explosion and HMX Macchiato V2 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA66 vs PA12 Nylon), bottom housing (N1 Nylon vs P2 Nylon), stem material (M4 POM blend vs POK), spring (21 mm single-stage Japanese wire vs 22 mm single-stage extended KOS), actuation (45 g vs 42 g), bottom-out force (53 g vs 50 g), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.80 mm). That said, they are mostly 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 Keygeek Explosion is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 top housing, N1 Nylon bottom housing, and M4 POM blend stem (standard shape). It features a 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Awareness Club. Manufactured by Keygeek. | The HMX Macchiato V2 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, P2 Nylon bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a 22 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 YG. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Keygeek Explosion | HMX Macchiato V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA66 | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | N1 Nylon | P2 Nylon |
| Stem material | M4 POM blend | POK |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS |
| Actuation | 45 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 50 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. |
| Designer | Awareness Club | YG |
| Manufacturer | Keygeek | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that availability of the Keygeek Explosion and HMX Macchiato V2 switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Keygeek Explosion and HMX Macchiato 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!
Keygeek Explosion sound test | HMX Macchiato V2 sound test |
No Keygeek Explosion sound test available. |
Comments on Keygeek Explosion switches | Comments on HMX Macchiato V2 switches |
The Keygeek Explosion switch was designed by Awareness Club, the same designer of Keygeek Higanbana switches. As hinted by the name, there was only one goal behind Explosion: it needed to be the most clacky Keygeek switch by far. In order to achieve that, an M4 strengthened POM stem and a N1 nylon bottom housing were chosen for it. Both of these materials are Keygeek's new blends, and they create a clacky, loud, and high-pitched bottom-out sound. With an improved housing mold like the Cera switches, the Explosion switches come with a perfectly balanced typing feel and a satisfying sound signature that many sought after – Unikeys. | It is the upgraded successor to the popular HMX Macchiato V1, combining a smooth, slightly scratchy, and textured typing feel with a clean, clacky, and poppy sound profile. Built with HMX’s latest L3 mold, the Macchiato V2 delivers improved smoothness (compared to Macchiato V1), tighter tolerances, and minimal stem wobble for a more refined typing experience. The Macchiato V2 uses a carefully selected material combination to maintain the signature sound profile of the original. POK stem: Smooth and textured feeling with a slightly lower-pitched tone that reduces harshness. PA12 top housing: Enhances overall smoothness and typing consistency. Slightly reduce the scratchy feeling that the POK stem creates. P2 bottom housing (Nylon blend with fiberglass): Produces a lively clacky sound with satisfying poppy resonance. Together, these materials create a smooth, responsive, and balanced typing experience without sounding overly sharp or loud. The biggest upgrade in the Macchiato V2 is HMX’s newest L3 mold design, significantly improving switch smoothness while maintaining excellent stability and minimal stem wobble. Perfect for custom mechanical keyboard builds, the HMX Macchiato V2 linear switch offers refined acoustics, upgraded smoothness, and a premium clacky linear feel straight out of the box – Unikeys. |
