The XLLAB Keygeek Briny and HMX Hibiscus switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 top housing, PA66 bottom housing, standard stem shape, 42 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different stem material (UPE (U4) vs T3), spring (20 mm vs 20 mm KOS single-stage extended), bottom-out force (50 g vs 48 g), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.50 mm). 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 XLLAB Keygeek Briny is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and UPE (U4) stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by Keygeek. | The HMX Hibiscus is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and T3 stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Soulcat X SPM. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | XLLAB Keygeek Briny | HMX Hibiscus |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | PA66 | PA66 |
| Stem material | UPE (U4) | T3 |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 20 mm | 20 mm KOS single-stage extended |
| Actuation | 42 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 48 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.50 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. Dry film lube on springs |
| Designer | XLLAB | Soulcat X SPM |
| Manufacturer | Keygeek | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the XLLAB Keygeek Briny is much more widely available, but the HMX Hibiscus is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering XLLAB Keygeek Briny and HMX Hibiscus 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 XLLAB Keygeek Briny switches | Comments on HMX Hibiscus switches |
The Keygeek Briny linear switch is XLLAB's latest project. Featuring a pure PA66 bottom housing, modified PA12 top housing and a UPE stem. Sound wise these lean towards the middle ground, they are not high pitched or super deep sounding either. The Briny switches utilise Keygeek's latest factory lubing technique, lube is applied to the leaf, spring, and stem slider – SerpentKeys. | HMX Hibiscus switches come with a T3 stem, PA12 top housing, and PA66 bottom housing. Spec-wise, it is a bit similar to the Canglan V2 and EVA switches which are one of the deepest and most thocky HMX switches. We are not sure what the T3 stem is made of nor its formula, but based on the sound comparison to Canglan V2 and EVA, the T3 stem makes them sound a bit deeper and quieter than both Canglan V2 and EVA switches. In the meantime, they still come with that signature HMX clack and solid bottom out sound – Unikeys. |
