The Keygeek M3 and HMX Taro Ball switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 45 g actuation, 3.60 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (L4 POM vs PA12), bottom housing (P5 (P + 50% fiberglass) vs P2), stem material (L4 (PP blend) vs H2), spring (18 mm single-stage Japanese wire vs 22 mm KOS single-stage extended), bottom-out force (55 g vs 53 g), pre-travel (1.80 mm vs 2 mm). 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 M3 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with L4 POM top housing, P5 (P + 50% fiberglass) bottom housing, and L4 (PP blend) stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm single-stage Japanese wire spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 1.80mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Miroo. 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 M3 | HMX Taro Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | L4 POM | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | P5 (P + 50% fiberglass) | P2 |
| Stem material | L4 (PP blend) | 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 | 55 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 1.80 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 | Miroo | 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 M3 can be found in 4 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Keygeek M3 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 M3 sound test | HMX Taro Ball sound test |
No HMX Taro Ball sound test available. |
Comments on Keygeek M3 switches | Comments on HMX Taro Ball switches |
M3 is the first Keygeek switch that uses the LY material. LY itself is not an actual raw material but a made-up code name for certain material blends. In Keygeek's case, LY stands for a blend of POM. Paired with the P5 bottom housing, which is also super rigid, the M3 switch has a clacky and even metallic sound profile – Unikeys. The Keygeek M3 are MX‑style linear switches and the first model in the series to use an LY stem – a special POM blend that creates a bright, clacky sound profile. Combined with the very firm P5 bottom housing, the result is a switch that stands out clearly from the softer, more “creamy” Keygeek variants and offers a crisp, resonant typing feel – MonacoKeys. | 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. |
