The Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn and Keygeek B1 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 top housing, standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (P4 vs N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass)), stem material (modified UPE vs M4 strengthened POM), spring (22 mm KOS single-stage extended vs 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire), actuation (55 g vs 45 g), bottom-out force (62.5 g vs 55 g), total travel (3.90 mm vs 3.70 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 Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P4 bottom housing, and modified UPE stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 62.5g bottom-out occurs at 3.90mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Unikeys. Manufactured by HMX. | The Keygeek B1 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) bottom housing, and M4 strengthened POM stem (standard shape). It features a 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Keygeek. |
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| Name | Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn | Keygeek B1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | P4 | N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) |
| Stem material | modified UPE | M4 strengthened POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended | 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire |
| Actuation | 55 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 62.5 g | 55 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.90 mm | 3.70 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Unikeys | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Keygeek |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Keygeek B1 is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn and Keygeek B1 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!
Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn sound test | Keygeek B1 sound test |
No Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn sound test available. |
Comments on Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn switches | Comments on Keygeek B1 switches |
The long-awaited Unikeys Purple Dawn switches are finally here! The Purple Dawn switch is one of the earliest HMX switches that use the UPE stem and the first HMX switch that pairs the UPE stem with the P4 bottom housing. If you have tried HMX switches with PA12 or P4 housings, you will notice that the PA12 material is one of the best top housing materials as it is very smooth and comes with a subtle and pleasant top-out sound. The P4 bottom housing is one of my favorites as it comes with a thocky, clacky, and vibrant bottom-out sound profile. When paired with the modified UPE stem, Purple Dawn switches overall sound quite poppy with a thocky note. They won't be too loud since UPE is one of the more muted materials in this hobby. Feeling-wise, they are very smooth and come with a clean and solid bottom-out. The modified UPE material is not as soft as UPE from other manufacturers as pure UPE can easily be broken. HMX modified its UPE material to make it more strengthened and more durable – uninkeyboards.com. | What if I tell you the Keygeek B1 switches are the clackiest switch so far on earth? The keygeek B1 linear switch is the first ever switch that uses a nylon bottom housing with 50% fiberglass added. The M4 strengthened POM stem and the N5 nylon bottom housing are born for one thing: To create the clackiest switch possible – Unikeys. |
