HMX Taro Ball switch
The HMX Taro Ball is a linear mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, and H2 stem (standard). 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.
Where to buy HMX Taro Ball switches?
Here are some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Taro Ball switches. When available, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Currency:
| Store | Area | Offer | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lume Keebs | US | 3.33 USD / 10 pcs 5% off, KBDNEW (not kbdnewS) | 0.29 EUR | sold out | |
| UniKeys | CN | 3.26 USD / 10 pcs 7% off, KBDNEWS | 0.28 EUR | sold out |
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!
HMX Taro Ball data sheet
| Name | HMX Taro Ball |
|---|---|
| Type | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | P2 |
| Stem | H2 standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended |
| Actuation | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. |
| Designer | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | HMX |
Comments on HMX Taro Ball switches
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.
HMX Taro Ball alternatives
Here are some notable alternatives to the HMX Taro Ball, our reference switch. Competitors with comparable specs across parameters like switch type, housing material, actuation and bottom-out forces and travel distances — even color. Not perfect matches but the closest results in order of similarity.
| Sim. | Similar switches | Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94% | HMX Retro KD200 linear, 5-pin, PA12/P2/LY, 45/50gF, 2.0/3.5mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | HMX x EILAB West Cowboy linear, 5-pin, PA12/P2/T5, 42/48gF, 2.0/3.5mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | HMX Caramel Pudding linear, 5-pin, PA12/PA66/UPE, 45/52gF, 2.0/3.6mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | HMX Cream Latte linear, 5-pin, PA12/P5/T2, 45/53gF, 2.0/3.5mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | Unikeys x Keygeek Uni linear, 5-pin, PA12/PA12/U4 UPE, 45/52gF, 2.0/3.7mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | Keygeek B1 linear, 5-pin, PA12/N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass)/M4 strengthened POM, 45/55gF, 2.0/3.7mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | HMX Lanikai linear, 5-pin, PA66 Nylon/P2/POM, 43/53gF, 2.0/3.7mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | UNIKEYS x HMX Sugar Rush linear, 5-pin, PA12/PA-2/POM, 48/55gF, 2.0/3.6mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | HMX Bad Sweetheart linear, 5-pin, PA12/P4/T5, 45/50gF, 2.0/3.8mm | Compare | ||
| 90% | XLLAB Keygeek Briny linear, 5-pin, PA12/PA66/UPE (U4), 42/50gF, 2.0/3.6mm | Compare | ||
| 90% | MMD Vivian linear, 5-pin, PA12/PUM (modified)/UPE (modified), 43/48gF, 2.0/3.6mm | Compare | ||
To recap: we were looking for linear mechanical switches possibly with PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, and H2 stem (standard). The 45g actuation occuring at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out being at around 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! — similar to the HMX Taro Ball.