Kinetic Labs Hippo switch
The Kinetic Labs Hippo is a linear mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and UHMWPE stem (standard). It features a 15.2 mm spring. The bottom-out weight is 63.5g. No factory lubing. Designed by Kinetic Labs. Manufactured by Gateron.
Where to buy Kinetic Labs Hippo switches?
Here are some notable keyboard shops offering Kinetic Labs Hippo 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Labs | US | 9.36 USD / 18 pcs | 0.52 USD | 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!
Kinetic Labs Hippo data sheet
| Name | Kinetic Labs Hippo |
|---|---|
| Type | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon |
| Bottom housing | Nylon |
| Stem | UHMWPE standard |
| Spring | 15.2 mm |
| Actuation | - g |
| Bottom-out | 63.5 g |
| Pre-travel | - mm |
| Total travel | - mm |
| Lube | No factory lubing. |
| Designer | Kinetic Labs |
| Manufacturer | Gateron |
Comments on Kinetic Labs Hippo 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.
Kinetic Labs Hippo alternatives
Here are some notable alternatives to the Kinetic Labs Hippo, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89% | Swagkeys x Gateron Onyx linear, 5-pin, Nylon/Nylon/UMPWPE, 0/55gF, 0.0/4.0mm | Compare | ||
| 89% | Tecsee Zaku linear, 5-pin, PC/Nylon/POM, 0/63.5gF, 0.0/0.0mm | Compare | ||
| 89% | Gateron X linear, 5-pin, Nylon/Nylon/POM, 50/65gF, 0.0/0.0mm | Compare | ||
| 89% | Keebhut Tropical Waters V3 linear, 5-pin, PC/Nylon/POM, 0/60gF, 0.0/0.0mm | Compare | ||
| 88% | Ashkeebs Alexandrite linear, 5-pin, HPE/Nylon/UPE, 0/58gF, 0.0/0.0mm | Compare | ||
| 88% | Durock Lavender linear, 5-pin, Nylon/Nylon/POM, 0/65gF, 0.0/3.8mm | Compare | ||
| 87% | KTT HaluHalo V2 linear, 5-pin, PC/Nylon/POM, 0/63.5gF, 0.0/4.0mm | Compare | ||
| 86% | pkkeys Misu linear, 5-pin, PC/Nylon PA66/POM, 0/63.5gF, 0.0/0.0mm | Compare | ||
| 86% | C³Equalz x TKC Tangerine - Light linear, 5-pin, UHMWPE/UHMWPE/POM, 0/62gF, 0.0/0.0mm | Compare | ||
| 86% | Cherry MX1A Hyperglide Black linear, 5-pin, Nylon/Nylon/POM, 0/60gF, 2.0/4.0mm | Compare | ||
| 85% | Invokeys Matcha Latte V2 linear, 5-pin, PC/Nylon/13.6mm POM, long pole, 0/60gF, 0.0/3.3mm | Compare | ||
To recap: we were looking for linear mechanical switches possibly with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and UHMWPE stem (standard). The bottom-out weight being about 63.5g. No factory lubing. — similar to the Kinetic Labs Hippo.