Overview
If you’ve ever pressed a mechanical keyboard key and heard a satisfying click that reminded you of snapping LEGO bricks together, you're not alone. For keyboard enthusiasts and nostalgic builders alike, that unique sound has become a sought-after trait in certain switches. In this blog, we’re diving into switches that don’t just feel great, but also echo the distinct, crunchy sound of building with LEGOs. Whether you're looking to recreate a bit of childhood joy or simply want a more textured typing experience, these switches might be exactly what you’re looking for.
| HMX x EILAB West Cowboy |
| Akko V3 Piano Pro |
| MMD Vivian V2 |
| BSUN K1 |
| Akko Rosewood |
HMX x EILAB West Cowboy
Product Details
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| Name | HMX x EILAB West Cowboy |
| Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | P2 |
| Stem Material | T5 |
| Actuation Force | 42±5gf |
| Bottom Out Force | 48±5gf |
| Total Travel | 3.5±0.2mm |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Factory Lube | Yes |
Switch Feel
HMX x EILAB West Cowboy retains the consistently smooth and clean typing feel that HMX switches are known for. Due to their tight tolerances, some of the earlier versions of HMX switches had batches where the initial keypress felt sticky between the stem and the top housing. The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy uses a newer version of HMX molds that adjusted the tolerance to keep the wobble free typing experience while removing the potential sticky feel at the top of the keypress. It also has minimal stem wobble in comparison to other switches which allows for a smooth typing experience. It allows for an even typing feel regardless where the keycap is pressed.
HMX x EILAB West Cowboy feels incredibly smooth in stock form. Just like other HMX switches, the HMX x EILAB West Cowboy comes with consistent factory lube.
Switch Sound
HMX x EILAB West Cowboy has a deep and creamy bottom out and a soft and poppy top out. For comparison, the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Caramel Pudding were known to be one of the lower pitched HMX switches. The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy has a distinctive lower pitch and fuller bottom out sound than the two. HMX switches used to be known solely for their high pitched and clacky sound profiles. The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy is one of the HMX switches that are made with a newer mold and newer materials to aim for switches that produce deeper and fuller typing sounds to achieve a thocky sound profile. The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy would be a great option to try for those who have been looking for a HMX switch that truly sounds full, deep, and thocky.
Here is a sound test of the HMX x EILAB West Cowboy:
Akko V3 Piano Pro
Product Details
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| Name | Akko V3 Piano Pro |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PC |
| Bottom Housing Material | PA |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Operating Force | 45gf ± 5gf |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 1.9 ± 0.5mm |
| Total Travel | 3.1mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Akko Piano provides comfortable and consistent keypresses, allowing for an incredibly fluid typing experience through the entire actuation. The keypresses of the Akko Piano feel snappy and responsive, but with just enough resistance to provide a comfortable and controlled typing feel. The Akko Piano comes lightly pre-lubed from the factory, however there is a slight scratch that is noticeable on slow keypresses. When hand lubed the Akko Piano shines with a smooth typing experience. When hand lubed, the Akko Piano has the ability to produce a slightly deeper and creamy sound profile as well, allowing it to be a versatile budget switch. The Akko Piano doesn’t have the hollow or harsh tones that some linear switches can produce, giving it a refined, almost melodic sound reminiscent of a soft piano key press. The overall sound profile is subtle, making it great for anyone who prefers a quieter typing experience but still wants some auditory feedback from each key press.
Switch Sound
The sound of the Akko Piano is softer than sound other linear switches, which make it a good option for office work. The Akko Piano creates a soft clack in its stock form. For those that enjoy a clacky sound profile that doesn't sound too sharp then the Akko Piano would be a great budget option to try.
Here is a sound test of the Akko Piano:
MMD Vivian V2
Product Details
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|
| Name | MMD Vivian |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | Modified PUM |
| Stem Material | Modified UPE |
| Actuation Force | 43g / 53g |
| Bottom Force | 48g / 60g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The MMD Vivian feels as thocky as it sounds. The MMD Vivian is a great option for those who enjoy the feeling of thoroughly lubed switches. Its creamy typing feel could be due to the modified UPE stem material because of its softness. The modified UPE stem material provides a thocky and soft feeling typing experience.
Switch Sound
The MMD Vivian stands out as a thocky switch. It has a hard and creamy bottom out and a soft and dampened top out. The PUM bottom housing material helps create a deep tone but also a hard plastic-y sound profile. Overall, the combination of the PUM bottom housing and the soft modified UPE stem material produces a soft and thocky sound signature.
Here is a sound test of the MMD Vivian:
BSUN K1
Product Details
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|
| Name | BSUN K1 |
| Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | POM |
| Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Actuation Force | 37g |
| Bottom Out Force | 43g |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Factory Lube | Yes |
Switch Feel
The BSUN K1 comes stock with a generous amount of factory lube, giving it a smooth typing experience straight out of the box free of any scratchiness. It has a shorter travel distance of 3.6mm providing a familiar typing feel of long pole stems. The BSUN K1 has very tight housing tolerances with hardly any stem wobble in the E/W direction and some stem wobble in the N/S direction. With its light spring weight and factory lube, the BSUN K1 is a great option for those who are looking for a smooth, creamy, and thocky switch at one of the most affordable prices.
Switch Sound
The BSUN K1 has a hard and creamy sounding bottom out within the mid tones and a soft and muted top out. In its stock form, the BSUN K1 produces a creamy sounds signature thanks to its materials and a consistent application of factory lube. Thanks to its design and combination of materials, the BSUN K1 has a mid to lower pitched bottom out that is less common in long pole stems that usually have a sharper bottom out sound. The BSUN K1 range of sound has the potential to sound deeper and thocky after hand lubing. Stock, the BSUN K1 sounds creamy in the mid tones, and after modding by hand lubing, the BSUN K1 can sound deep and thocky in the lower tones.
Here is a sound test of the BSUN K1:
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing that perfect thock reminiscent of snapping together Lego bricks or simply looking for smooth, high-quality switches, this selection offers something for every sound and feel preference. The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy and MMD Vivian stand out with their deep, creamy bottom outs. Even budget-conscious typists can enjoy a rich, satisfying sound with switches like the Akko Piano Pro or BSUN K1. Ultimately, these switches prove that a thoughtfully designed mechanical keyboard can bring nostalgic soundscapes right to your fingertips.
👉 You can buy these switches on our site:
Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you have any questions!
- HMX x EILAB West Cowboy Product Page
- Akko V3 Piano Pro Product Page
- MMD Vivian V2 Product Page
- BSUN K1 Product Page
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