The Kinetic Labs Hippo and Durock Lavender switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, standard stem shape, - g actuation, - mm pre-travel, however, they come with different stem material (UHMWPE vs POM), spring (15.2 mm vs 65g gold-plated), bottom-out force (63.5 g vs 65 g). 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 Kinetic Labs Hippo is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and UHMWPE stem (standard shape). It features a 15.2 mm spring. The bottom-out weight is 63.5g. No factory lubing. Designed by Kinetic Labs. Manufactured by Gateron. | The Durock Lavender is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 65g gold-plated spring. The 65g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Durock. |
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| Name | Kinetic Labs Hippo | Durock Lavender |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Stem material | UHMWPE | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 15.2 mm | 65g gold-plated |
| Actuation | - g | - g |
| Bottom-out | 63.5 g | 65 g |
| Pre-travel | - mm | - mm |
| Total travel | - mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | No factory lubing. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Kinetic Labs | - |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | Durock |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that availability of the Kinetic Labs Hippo and Durock Lavender switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kinetic Labs Hippo and Durock Lavender 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 Kinetic Labs Hippo switches | Comments on Durock Lavender switches |
The first ever UHMWPE stem from Gateron. Even unlubed, the stem is extremely smooth in its stock form. 63.5g spring provides a bouncy upstroke that will keep you typing comfortably for hours. It's not all about the feel, Nylon housings provide a pleasant "thocky" sound signature while typing. Gateron Hippo switches use an ultra smooth UHMWPE stem (the first time the material is used by Gateron). UHMWPE is short for Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and it has a lower coefficient of friction when compared to other plastics, such as POM. What this ultimately means is that the material used in the stem of this switch produces less friction when compared to other switches – Kinetic Labs. | These are full nylon housing linear switches produced by Durock. The top housing has Durock branding. Durock has made new molds for this, and told us that the top and bottom housing are both made fully of Nylon, and that the stem is POM – Deskhero. |
