The Kinetic Labs Hippo and Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx 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 UMPWPE), spring (15.2 mm vs 19.5 mm single-stage), bottom-out force (63.5 g vs 55 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 Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and UMPWPE stem (standard shape). It features a 19.5 mm single-stage spring. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Silicone inserts in the bottom housing act as switch films to improve the sound and feel. No factory lubing. Designed by Swagkeys. Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | Kinetic Labs Hippo | Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Stem material | UHMWPE | UMPWPE |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 15.2 mm | 19.5 mm single-stage |
| Actuation | - g | - g |
| Bottom-out | 63.5 g | 55 g |
| Pre-travel | - mm | - mm |
| Total travel | - mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | No factory lubing. | No factory lubing. |
| Designer | Kinetic Labs | Swagkeys |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Kinetic Labs Hippo is not available at the moment, while the Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx can be found in 1 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kinetic Labs Hippo and Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx 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!
Kinetic Labs Hippo sound test | Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx sound test |
No Kinetic Labs Hippo sound test available. |
Comments on Kinetic Labs Hippo switches | Comments on Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx 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. | Onyx switches are the newest collaboration switch between Swagkeys and Gateron. They are full travel linears that utilize the custom designed molds that have silicone inserts in the bottom housing that act as switch films to improve the sound and feel of the switch. It is similar to the previous SW x Gateron Deeping switch with improved factory lubing and a new stem material that produces a different sound signature. Once lubed (either manually or factory lubed) these are smooth linears with a medium weight spring and a nice loud sound profile. They are available in both unlubed and factory lubed options – Bowl Keyboards. |
