HMX Waverider V2 Tactile Switch

At a glance

Key specifications

The most important verified numbers for this product, shown before the deeper sections.

42 gfOperating force

3.8 mmTotal travel

TactileSwitch type

5-pinMount

YesFactory lubed

POMStem material

53 gfBottom-out force

Crisp / Clacky / PoppySound profile

Character

Sound & feel

How this product sounds and feels to type on, described in plain terms.

Sound profile

Waverider V2 begins its tactile event almost immediately, with very little linear movement before the bump. Independent testing describes it as a medium to medium-strong tactile with a snappy, forceful response near the top of the stroke. That gives typists a clear physical confirmation without requiring an unusually heavy operating spring. For writing, coding, and other feedback-focused work, the switch feels deliberate rather than vague, while the relatively controlled spring weight keeps the keystroke from turning into a heavy-finger exercise during normal use. The result is tactile feedback that stays present even when you are not intentionally concentrating on each individual switch.

Typing feel

The 3.8mm total travel is just as important as the bump itself. Instead of ending almost immediately after the tactile event, the stroke continues far enough to preserve a fuller mechanical rhythm. That gives Waverider V2 a different character from shorter-travel tactiles that can feel abrupt or overly concentrated around the bump. Users who like an obvious tactile signal but still want room for the keypress to finish naturally may find this combination especially satisfying, particularly in typing-heavy builds where feel matters on every single stroke. That fuller finish also makes the switch easier to understand for users coming from traditional 4.0mm mechanical switches.

Fit & build

Compatibility & build notes

What to check before ordering, and how the build is put together.

Tactile 5-pin PCB Mount Factory Lubed POM Stem

Compatibility

Waverider V2 uses a 5-pin MX-style PCB mount, so compatibility should be checked before ordering a full-board quantity. In addition to the central post and metal electrical contacts, the switch includes two plastic locating pins that help stabilize it on compatible PCBs. Most modern custom keyboard PCBs designed for 5-pin switches will accept this layout directly, but boards limited to 3-pin mounting may require those plastic pins to be clipped or another compatibility solution depending on the plate and PCB design. Checking this before purchase prevents a common situation where the switch itself is electrically compatible but cannot seat cleanly without modification. KeebPilot sells Waverider V2 in 10-switch packs, which makes quantity planning more flexible. A small pack can be used to test the feel before committing to a complete keyboard, while larger builds can be covered by adding packs according to actual key count. For a 65%, 75%, TKL, or full-size board, count the switches you need and add a small spare margin for testing, replacement, or future maintenance. Buying by real layout is more useful than relying on a generic full-board quantity. That also avoids overbuying when you are only evaluating the switch or building a smaller layout. 5-pin mount — confirm PCB and plate support for your board.

Build notes

Two plastic locating pins distinguish the 5-pin base from a simpler 3-pin MX-style switch layout. Ten-switch packs let you sample the tactile feel before committing to enough switches for an entire keyboard. For full builds, count the layout first and keep several spare switches for testing or future replacement.

Fit & trade-offs

Decide quickly whether this product fits your build

A strong fit if you want

✓

You want clear, immediate tactile feedback for typing, coding, or everyday keyboard use.

✓

You prefer near-full key travel instead of an extremely short, abrupt tactile stroke.

✓

You want a factory-lubed tactile that feels distinctive without relying on a very heavy spring.

Consider alternatives if you prefer

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A different switch type

If you need tactile feedback or a silent build, compare other families.

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A specific force target

Pick a switch whose operating force matches your preference.

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Another build use case

Match the product to how and where you actually type.

Sizing help

How many switches do you need?

Switch count depends on your keyboard's layout. The typical ranges below are a starting point — the exact number depends on the specific model and any extra keys.

60% 61 – 68 keys

65% 66 – 75 keys

75% 81 – 88 keys

TKL 87 – 92 keys

Full-size 104 – 110 keys

This product is available in packs of 10 switches — pick a pack that covers your layout with a small margin for testing or replacements.

Exact switch count depends on keyboard model / layout (and any novelties or extra keys). Always confirm against your board's official key count before ordering.

Product deep dive

Understand the product before you choose it

Focused sections explain the details buyers care about, supported by the product's specification data.

TYPING FEEL & SOUND

Immediate Tactility With Enough Travel to Feel Complete

Waverider V2 begins its tactile event almost immediately, with very little linear movement before the bump. Independent testing describes it as a medium to medium-strong tactile with a snappy, forceful response near the top of the stroke. That gives typists a clear physical confirmation without requiring an unusually heavy operating spring. For writing, coding, and other feedback-focused work, the switch feels deliberate rather than vague, while the relatively controlled spring weight keeps the keystroke from turning into a heavy-finger exercise during normal use. The result is tactile feedback that stays present even when you are not intentionally concentrating on each individual switch.

The 3.8mm total travel is just as important as the bump itself. Instead of ending almost immediately after the tactile event, the stroke continues far enough to preserve a fuller mechanical rhythm. That gives Waverider V2 a different character from shorter-travel tactiles that can feel abrupt or overly concentrated around the bump. Users who like an obvious tactile signal but still want room for the keypress to finish naturally may find this combination especially satisfying, particularly in typing-heavy builds where feel matters on every single stroke. That fuller finish also makes the switch easier to understand for users coming from traditional 4.0mm mechanical switches.

The tactile bump arrives very early, so each press delivers clear physical confirmation before much linear travel occurs.
Medium-strong tactility creates a pronounced sensation without forcing the switch into an unusually heavy overall spring feel.
The longer 3.8mm stroke gives the keypress more follow-through than many modern short-travel tactile designs.

Choose Waverider V2 when you want the tactile event to be unmistakable, but you still value a fuller 3.8mm stroke after that early feedback.

CONSTRUCTION & SPECS

Materials and Force Numbers That Explain the Feel

Waverider V2 arrives factory lubed, so you can install it and assess its tactile character before deciding whether personal tuning is needed. That makes it a practical stock option for builders who want to try the switch as supplied.

The force numbers also need context. UniKeys lists a 42±2g operating force, while major retail sources place bottom-out around the low-to-mid 50g range. That can look light on paper, yet the early P-shaped tactile geometry makes the perceived feedback much stronger than the operating-force number alone suggests. The 2.0mm pre-travel and roughly 3.8mm total travel then give the switch enough distance to complete a recognizable MX-style stroke instead of feeling like a short, compressed tactile mechanism. In practice, the bump shape is therefore the dominant part of the experience, not simply the spring specification printed in a table.

POM stem, PC top, and PA66 nylon bottom create the switch's core material stack and acoustic character.
A 22mm single-stage spring supports the longer stroke while keeping the operating force relatively approachable.
The 5-pin PCB mount, factory lubrication, and near-full travel make it ready for many custom MX-style builds.

Do not judge Waverider V2 by the 42g figure alone; the early tactile geometry is what turns a moderate spring into a much more assertive typing feel.

HMX Waverider V2 Tactile Switch — Materials and Force Numbers That Explain the Feel

BUILD FIT & QUANTITY

Check Your PCB First, Then Buy the Right Count

Waverider V2 uses a 5-pin MX-style PCB mount, so compatibility should be checked before ordering a full-board quantity. In addition to the central post and metal electrical contacts, the switch includes two plastic locating pins that help stabilize it on compatible PCBs. Most modern custom keyboard PCBs designed for 5-pin switches will accept this layout directly, but boards limited to 3-pin mounting may require those plastic pins to be clipped or another compatibility solution depending on the plate and PCB design. Checking this before purchase prevents a common situation where the switch itself is electrically compatible but cannot seat cleanly without modification.

KeebPilot sells Waverider V2 in 10-switch packs, which makes quantity planning more flexible. A small pack can be used to test the feel before committing to a complete keyboard, while larger builds can be covered by adding packs according to actual key count. For a 65%, 75%, TKL, or full-size board, count the switches you need and add a small spare margin for testing, replacement, or future maintenance. Buying by real layout is more useful than relying on a generic full-board quantity. That also avoids overbuying when you are only evaluating the switch or building a smaller layout.

Two plastic locating pins distinguish the 5-pin base from a simpler 3-pin MX-style switch layout.
Ten-switch packs let you sample the tactile feel before committing to enough switches for an entire keyboard.
For full builds, count the layout first and keep several spare switches for testing or future replacement.

Confirm that your board accepts 5-pin MX switches, then purchase by actual key count plus a small spare margin instead of guessing at quantity.

COMPARE ALTERNATIVES

Compare by Tactile Character, Not Brand Name Alone

Waverider V2 makes the most sense when you compare switches by tactile shape and travel rather than simply shopping by HMX branding. Independent side-by-side testing found HMX Frog especially close in tactile feel, while also reporting stronger consistency from the Frog samples in sound and stroke behavior. That makes the comparison useful: Waverider V2 offers the immediate, medium-strong bump and longer travel that define its character, but buyers who prioritize batch uniformity above all else may reasonably prefer a cleaner alternative. It is a better decision framework than assuming two switches from the same manufacturer will necessarily deliver the same experience.

At the other end of the spectrum, lighter tactiles trade some of that obvious feedback for a softer, less intrusive keypress, while short-travel strong tactiles concentrate more of the experience into the bump and bottom-out. Waverider V2 sits between those extremes. It is not subtle, but it also does not collapse the whole keystroke into a short tactile event. The combination of early feedback and 3.8mm travel is the real reason to choose it over alternatives that are lighter, shorter, or more consistency-focused. This middle position is also why it works well as a reference point for shoppers moving from light tactiles toward stronger feedback.

HMX Frog is a useful tactile-feel reference and showed stronger consistency in independent batch testing.
Lighter tactiles reduce bump intensity, while short-travel tactiles make the event feel more concentrated and abrupt.
Waverider V2 stands out by pairing obvious early tactility with a longer 3.8mm overall stroke.

Pick Waverider V2 for an immediate, snappy bump with longer follow-through; choose another tactile if subtlety or maximum batch consistency matters more.

Decision support

Compare HMX Waverider V2 Tactile Switch with realistic alternatives

The goal is to make the key trade-offs visible: weight, travel, stock preparation, sound direction, and the type of user each product serves best.

Open full comparison →

Specifications

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Type

Tactile

Linear

Operating Force

42

45 gf

Bottom-out Force

53

50 gf

Total Travel

3.8

3.7 ± 0.3 mm

3.5 mm

Sound Profile

Crisp / Clacky / Poppy

Light tactile; clean/clacky-leaning tendency

Low-pitched / thocky-leaning

Crisp, loud, clacky; bright-leaning tendency

Factory Lubed

Yes

Mount

5-pin

Stem Material

POM

H2 large spherical-tip

POM

Best For

—

Structured product data

Detailed specifications

General

Brand: HMX
Switch type: Tactile
Mount: 5-pin
Factory lubed: Yes

Performance

Operating force: 42
Bottom-out force: 53
Pre-travel: 2
Total travel: 3.8
Spring: single-stage
Sound profile: Crisp / Clacky / Poppy
Typing feel: Early, snappy, medium-strong tactile

Construction

Stem material: POM
Top housing: PC
Bottom housing: PA66 Nylon

Compatibility

PCB mount: 5-pin

In the box

What's in the box

Exactly what ships with this product. The switch count and color update with the options you select.

Selected pack

10 switches

Included switches10 switches
Selected color—

Real-world reference

Video review & sound test

See and Hear Waverider V2 in Use

Watch a real-world typing and sound reference directly on the product page. The player loads only after the visitor chooses to play it.

Product-specific FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions that most often decide a purchase.

Waverider V2 sits closer to a medium-strong tactile than a light tactile. Its operating force is around 42g, but the early P-shaped bump makes the switch feel more assertive than that number suggests. Independent testing describes the bump as snappy and forceful near the top of the stroke, so buyers who want only a soft or barely noticeable tactile event should consider a milder alternative.

Yes, especially if you like clear physical confirmation on each keypress. The tactile event arrives early, so the switch gives feedback before much linear travel occurs, while the 3.8mm total travel leaves enough stroke to feel familiar rather than abruptly shortened. That combination can work well for writing, coding, and everyday keyboard use, although users who prefer very subtle tactility may find the bump more noticeable than they want.

Expect a generally crisp, lively sound rather than a deep or silent profile. Retailers describe Waverider V2 as clacky, snappy, marbly, or poppy, while independent testing found that normal typing can sound more moderate and fairly flat. Harder bottom-outs can make individual switches noticeably sharper and louder, so the final result depends heavily on typing force, case, plate, mounting system, keycaps, and other build choices.

No. Waverider V2 is factory lubed and is intended to be usable out of the box. UniKeys reports a thin application of 205g0 on the stem legs and sliders, with dry-film lubrication on the spring and leaf. We recommend trying the switches stock first. Enthusiasts may still choose to tune individual switches if they notice scratch, spring noise, or simply prefer a different lubrication feel.

The switch is manufactured as a 5-pin MX-style PCB-mount switch. It installs directly in compatible 5-pin PCBs, using two additional plastic locating pins for stability. Some 3-pin-only boards can still use a 5-pin switch after the plastic locating pins are clipped, but compatibility depends on the specific PCB and plate. Check your keyboard specifications before modifying switches or buying enough for a full build.

KeebPilot sells Waverider V2 in packs of 10, so the right quantity depends on your keyboard layout. Count the keys you actually plan to populate, then add a small spare margin for testing, replacement, or future maintenance. A 10-pack is also useful if you want to evaluate the tactile feel before committing to a complete keyboard rather than purchasing a large quantity immediately.

The biggest difference is how prominent the tactile event feels. A typical light tactile often uses a softer, more rounded bump that stays in the background during typing. Waverider V2 places a sharper, earlier bump near the beginning of the stroke, so tactile feedback becomes a central part of the experience. Choose it if you actively want to feel the bump; choose a lighter tactile if you prefer gentler feedback.

KeebPilot is designed to help you decide whether a switch actually fits your build, not just repeat a specification table. We combine verified specifications with feel, sound, compatibility, trade-offs, and comparison guidance, and call out conflicting source data when it matters. Waverider V2 is also currently priced at $3.50 per 10 switches, making it possible to sample the switch without committing to a large quantity.

HMX Waverider V2 Tactile Switch

Key specifications

Sound & feel

Sound profile

Typing feel

Compatibility & build notes

Compatibility

Build notes

Decide quickly whether this product fits your build

A strong fit if you want

Consider alternatives if you prefer

How many switches do you need?

Understand the product before you choose it

Immediate Tactility With Enough Travel to Feel Complete

Materials and Force Numbers That Explain the Feel

Check Your PCB First, Then Buy the Right Count

Compare by Tactile Character, Not Brand Name Alone

Compare HMX Waverider V2 Tactile Switch with realistic alternatives