Overview
HMX switches are known for their clean, high-pitched, and distinct clacky sound profile, making them a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a smooth and clacky typing feel and sound. HMX switches are often characterized by their clean "clacks," creating an engaging and energizing typing experience. But which ones stand out in particular? Here is our selection of the best clacky HMX switches.
HMX Sunset Gleam
Product Details
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| Name | HMX Sunset Gleam |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PC |
| Bottom Housing Material | Modified PA66 |
| Stem Material | LY |
| Actuation Force | 42±5g |
| Bottom Out Force | 48±5g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 1.9mm |
| Total Travel | 3.5mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The HMX Sunset Gleam feels similar to other HMX switches like the HMX Cheese. With a similar bottom out weight and travel distance, the HMX Sunset Gleam provides a similar comfortable and responsive typing experience as the HMX Cheese. The 22mm spring in the HMX Sunset Gleam also creates a key return that feels very responsive. The factory lube of the HMX Sunset Gleam, and other HMX switches, is consistent and creates a smooth and comfortable typing feel without feeling sluggish. The HMX Sunset Gleam would be a great choice for those who enjoy the HMX Cheese.
Switch Sound
The HMX Sunset Gleam is made up of a PC top housing, a modified PA66 bottom housing, and a LY stem. The combination of the LY stem and the nylon bottom housing creates a full and clacky sound upon bottoming out. In contrast to the nylon top housing of the HMX cheese, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a sharper and poppier sound top out due to the harder PC material. This makes the HMX Sunset Gleam one of the highest-pitched and clackiest switches even among the HMX switches. The HMX Sunset Gleam would be a great choice for you if you are looking for a switch with the brightest sound profile.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Sunset Gleam:
HMX Xinhai
Product Details
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| Name | HMX Xinhai |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | Modified Nylon |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Actuation Force | 37g / 55g |
| Bottom Out Force | 45g / 62.5g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0 |
| Total Travel | 3.4 |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The HMX Xinhai offers two options for spring weights: one with an operating force of 37g and a bottom out force of 45g, and another with an operating force of 55g and a bottom out force of 62.5g. The HMX Xinhai has a total travel distance of 3.4mm which creates a more sudden bottom out feel that could make the switch feel more responsive. The HMX Xinhai is smooth right out of the box with little to no stem wobble. The factory lubrication of the HMX Xinhai in stock form provides a smooth typing experienve which could be slightly improved with hand lubing and filming.
Switch Sound
The HMX Xinhai is constructed with a PA12 nylon top housing, a modified nylon housing, and a POM stem. These materials help to contribute to the clacky sound signature of the HMX Xinhai. The HMX Xinhai has a bright and bold sound that is very clean to the ears. The HMX Xinhai has a sharper and higher pitched tone relative to even the average HMX switch due to its choice of materials and having one of the shorter travel distances. The HMX Xinhai sound profile is a great choice for enthusiasts who prefer a sharp, clean, and clacky typing experience.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Xinhai:
HMX Cloud
Product Details
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| Name | HMX Cloud |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | PA2.0 |
| Stem Material | LY |
| Actuation Force | 42g / 56g |
| Bottom Out Force | 50g / 63.5g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0 |
| Total Travel | 3.9 |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The HMX Cloud has an operating force of 42g or 56g and a bottom out force of 50g or 63.5g. The HMX Cloud has a pre-travel distance of 2.0mm and a total travel distance of 3.9mm. For typists who prefer a typing experience closer to a traditional full travel switch but with the smoothness that HMX has to offer, the HMX Cloud is the way to go. The HMX Cloud is known for their smoothness right out of the box and with very little stem wobble. The HMX Cloud is smooth in stock form and can be improved slightly with hand lubing and filming.
Switch Sound
The HMX Cloud has a bright and bold sound signature that is clean and clacky. The HMX Cloud has a sharp and loud volume, although it is relatively softer sounding than other HMX switches with shorter travel distances. The HMX Cloud has a sound profile that gives a good balance between a full travel bottom out sound with the bottom out sound of clacky HMX switches.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Cloud:
HMX Macchiato
Product Details
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| Name | HMX Macchiato |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | Modified Nylon |
| Stem Material | POK |
| Actuation Force | 42g |
| Bottom Out Force | 50g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0±0.3mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0±0.3mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
Smooth as silk, the HMX Macchiato glides effortlessly under your fingertips. Thanks to its tight tolerances and minimal stem wobble, this switch offers a typing experience that's second to none. Whether you're a seasoned typist or a casual user, you'll appreciate the consistent feel and satisfying feedback of the HMX Macchiato.
Switch Sound
When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato sings a sweet melody. Whether you're typing up a storm or engaging in a gaming marathon, the HMX Macchiato's melodious sound profile adds an extra layer of enjoyment to every keystroke.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Macchiato:
HMX x 80Retros KD200
Product Details
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| Name | HMX x 80Retros KD200 |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | P2 |
| Stem Material | LY |
| Actuation Force | 45±2g |
| Bottom Out Force | 50±2g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0±0.2mm |
| Total Travel | 3.5±0.2mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The HMX KD200 has an operating force of 45g and a bottom out force of 50g. It has the lightest weight of the three HMX film switches. In contrast, the KD200 has the shortest travel distance of the three HMX film switches with a total travel distance of 3.5mm. With the combination of a relatively lighter spring weight and a shorter travel distance, the HMX KD200 provides a very responsive typing experience. The HMX KD200 has the classic snappy bottom out from long pole stems. The HMX KD200 would be a great option for users looking for a faster bottom out with less force required, possibly as gaming switch as well.
Switch Sound
The HMX KD200 has the highest pitch compared to the other two HMX film switches. It uses the same materials as the HMX Cheese for its housing and stem, which would explain the similar sound signature between the HMX KD200 and the HMX Cheese. The KD200 has the sharpest and clackiest bottom out of the HMX film switches, but it has a softer sounding top out. The clacky bottom out of the KD200 could be due to the LY stem which has proven itself to be a stem material for smooth and clacky switches. The soft top out could be due to the PA12 material being softer than PC as well as a lighter spring weight that would create less force on the upstroke than the relatively heavier FJ400 and Game 1989. The KD200 would be the perfect switch for users who enjoyed the clacky HMX Cheese sound profile and feel.
Here is a sound test of the HMX KD200:
HMX Pebble (Gravel)
Product Details
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| Name | HMX Pebble (Gravel) |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PC |
| Bottom Housing Material | PA66 |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Actuation Force | 45±5g |
| Bottom Out Force | 50±5g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0±0.5mm |
| Total Travel | 3.5±0.3mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The HMX Pebble (Gravel) is consistently smooth and responsive. The POM stem of the HMX Pebble (Gravel) creates a soft and smooth keypress in contrast to other stem materials that could create more of a gliding typing feel. HMX Pebble (Gravel) has consistent factory lube and consistent housing tolerances which therefore allows for a consistent typing experience. The HMX Pebble (Gravel) would be a good choice if you want to experience a smooth and clacky switch.
Switch Sound
The typing sound of the HMX Pebble (Gravel) is similar to the HMX Sunset Gleam due to a similar construction with a nylon bottom housing and a PC top housing. In contrast, the HMX Pebble (Gravel) uses a POM stem instead of the LY in the HMX Sunset Gleam. This softer and smoother sound of the HMX Pebble (Gravel) could be due to the POM stem. The HMX Pebble (Gravel), like its name, is clacky and reminiscent of poppy sounds of pebbles bouncing off each other. The HMX Pebble (Gravel) would be a great choice if you are looking for a harder sounding clack.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Pebble (Gravel):
HMX Violet
Product Details
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| Name | HMX Violet |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PC |
| Bottom Housing Material | PA |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Operating Force | 45g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0±0.3mm |
| Total Travel | 3.5±0.5mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
Just like other HMX switches, the HMX Violet is smooth to use even in its stock form due to the consistent factory lubrication on HMX switches. The HMX Violet has little to no stem wobble which allows for an even typing experience. The materials, tolerances, and factory lubrication create a comfortable and consistent typing feel.
Switch Sound
The HMX Violet is constructed with a PC nylon top housing, a PA nylon bottom housing, and a POM stem. Its materials help create the clean and clacky sound profile with a smooth bottom out and a poppy top out. The HMX Violet is consistent with the classic HMX sound profile: bright and high-pitched. For reference, the HMX Violet sounds similar to HMX Cheese and sounds slightly brighter and higher pitched than the HMX Hyacinth.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Violet:
👉 You can buy these switches on our site:
- HMX Sunset Gleam
- HMX Xinhai
- HMX Cloud
- HMX Macchiato
- HMX x 80Retros KD200
- HMX Pebble (Gravel)
- HMX Violet
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