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The Keygeek M1 and HMX Ash switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, 3.60 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (L4 POM (strengthened) vs PA12 Nylon), bottom housing (N2 (Nylon with 20% fiberglass) vs PA66 Nylon), stem material (L4 POM (strengthened, 7 spheres stem tip) vs POK), spring (18 mm single-stage Japanese wire vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (45 g vs 40 g), bottom-out force (53 g vs 48 g). That said, they are not too 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 M1 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with L4 POM (strengthened) top housing, N2 (Nylon with 20% fiberglass) bottom housing, and L4 POM (strengthened, 7 spheres stem tip) stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm single-stage Japanese wire spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Keygeek. | The HMX Ash is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Key of Life. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Keygeek M1 | HMX Ash |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | L4 POM (strengthened) | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | N2 (Nylon with 20% fiberglass) | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | L4 POM (strengthened, 7 spheres stem tip) | POK |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 18 mm single-stage Japanese wire | single-stage extended KOS |
| Actuation | 45 g | 40 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 48 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.60 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 | - | Key of Life |
| 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 M1 and HMX Ash switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Keygeek M1 and HMX Ash 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 Keygeek M1 switches | Comments on HMX Ash switches |
Keygeek's M1 switch is another unique addition to the Keygeek linear switch family. The reason is that M1 is manufactured using Keygeek's new stem mold, which consists of 7 smaller spheres on the stem tip. Comparing it to other classic stem tip designs that Keygeek has such as waffle stem tip (Y2 switch) or spherical stem tip (Y3 switch), the 7 spheres stem tip comes with a firmer and more solid bottom out feel. Sound wise, the 7 spheres stem tip creates a loud and thocky sound profile for the M1 switches, which is also quite different from the spherical stem tip and waffle stem tip which are designed for a quieter and deeper bottom sound – Unikeys. | The HMX Ash linear switch is one of the most balanced HMX switches. The POK stem is perfect for creating a clean clacky sound profile without making it too loud. The PA12 top housing is one of the best, if not the best material for ultimate smoothness. The bottom housing is pure PA66 which is the most reliable and classic housing material you could see on a switch. Overall, Ash switches come with a great sound and great feel. It has the signature HMX features, and is a great option for anyone who enjoys nice sounding keyboard – Unikeys. |
