The Keygeek M1 and HMX Taro Ball switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 45 g actuation, 53 g bottom-out force, 2 mm pre-travel, 3.60 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (L4 POM (strengthened) vs PA12), bottom housing (N2 (Nylon with 20% fiberglass) vs P2), stem material (L4 POM (strengthened, 7 spheres stem tip) vs H2), spring (18 mm single-stage Japanese wire vs 22 mm KOS single-stage extended). 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 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 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. |
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| Name | Keygeek M1 | HMX Taro Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | L4 POM (strengthened) | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | N2 (Nylon with 20% fiberglass) | P2 |
| Stem material | L4 POM (strengthened, 7 spheres stem tip) | H2 |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 18 mm single-stage Japanese wire | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended |
| Actuation | 45 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 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 M1 can be found in 1 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Keygeek M1 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!
Comments on Keygeek M1 switches | Comments on HMX Taro Ball 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 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. |
