HMX x EILAB West Cowboy | Linear Switch Review

Overview

The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy linear switch is a HMX made in collaboration with EILAB. The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy is designed to produce a deep and thocky typing sound.

Product Details

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:

Things to Note

The HMX x EILAB West Cowboy use a newer mold than the earliest versions of HMX switches. They have slightly larger bottom housing that allows them to sit on the PCB more securely. They also have better tolerances between the stem and the top housing allowing for an even smoother typing feel. 

👉 You can buy these switches on our site: product page.

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