Sound profile
Low-pitched / thocky-leaning; final result depends on the complete keyboard build.
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Tactile
Minikeys × HMX Puppy Tactile Switch
At a glance
Key specifications
The most important verified numbers for this product, shown before the deeper sections.
45 gfOperating force
3.5 mmTotal travel
TactileSwitch type
5-pinMount
YesFactory lubed
H2 large spherical-tipStem material
50 gfBottom-out force
Low-pitched / thocky-leaningSound profile
Character
Sound & feel
How this product sounds and feels to type on, described in plain terms.
Typing feel
37g = lighter, 43g bottom-out; 45g = firmer, 50g bottom-out.
Fit & build
Compatibility & build notes
What to check before ordering, and how the build is put together.
Tactile
5-pin PCB Mount
Factory Lubed
H2 large spherical-tip Stem
Compatibility
Puppy uses a five-pin MX-style footprint. Confirm that the PCB and hot-swap socket accept the two locating pins before ordering a full set. 5-pin mount — confirm PCB and plate support for your board.
Build notes
HMX Puppy uses an MX-style 5-pin mount and can work with compatible hot-swap sockets, but compatibility still depends on the specific PCB and plate. Check that the board accepts the same 5-pin footprint before ordering. A 10-switch pack is suitable for testing or replacements; a 70-switch pack is enough for many 60% boards and some 65% layouts, while most 75%, TKL and full-size builds need more than 70 switches, so count the actual switch positions and consider a few spares.
Fit & trade-offs
Decide quickly whether this product fits your build
A strong fit if you want
✓
Early tactile feedback without an aggressively sharp bump / Builders targeting a deeper, less clacky sound direction / Users choosing between a light 37g and firmer 45g feel
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 / 70 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.
EARLY TACTILITY
A rounded tactile event near the start
Minikeys × HMX Puppy is built around an early tactile event, so the press gives noticeable feedback before the key reaches the bottom.
Its character suits buyers who want tactility without an aggressively sharp bump.
- 37g = lighter press
- 45g = firmer support
- Low-pitched / thocky-leaning sound direction
Bottom line: Early, rounded tactility rather than a harsh tactile hit.
CONSTRUCTION
Construction is secondary to the tactile shape
Puppy combines an H2 large spherical-tip stem, PA22 top housing, P4 bottom housing, and a 22mm spring. These are part of the switch’s construction, while the main reason to choose Puppy remains the early, rounded tactile event described in the Feel section.
Treat those materials as construction facts rather than a guarantee of one acoustic result; the finished keyboard still shapes the sound.
- H2 spherical-tip stem
- PA22 top / P4 bottom
- 22mm single-stage spring
What it means: The tactile shape matters more to the buyer than the material list.
BUILD PLANNING
Choose weight and confirm five-pin fit
Choose 37g for the easier press or 45g for more resistance, while both options retain 3.5 mm total travel.
Confirm five-pin MX-style PCB or socket support before selecting a pack for the build.
- 5-pin MX-style footprint
- 10 pcs for sampling / spares
- 70 pcs for many compact builds
Build note: Weight changes resistance; footprint determines fit.
WHO SHOULD CHOOSE IT
For tactile feedback without a sharp edge
Choose Puppy when you want a noticeable early tactile event with a rounded transition and a choice of light or firmer weighting.
Choose another tactile if you specifically want a sharper, more forceful bump; choose a linear if you prefer uninterrupted travel.
- Early rounded bump
- 37g or 45g force choice
- Directional low-pitched sound profile
Decision note: Puppy is for rounded early tactility.
Decision support
Open full comparison →
Compare Minikeys × HMX Puppy 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.
Specifications
Type
Tactile
Tactile
Linear
Linear
Operating Force
45 gf
45 gf
45 gf
37 gf
Bottom-out Force
50 gf
50 gf
50 gf
42 gf
Total Travel
3.5 mm
3.7 ± 0.3 mm
3.5 mm
3.6 mm
Sound Profile
Low-pitched / thocky-leaning
Light tactile; clean/clacky-leaning tendency
Crisp, loud, clacky; bright-leaning tendency
Deep/muted-leaning; build-dependent; not KeebPilot-tested
Factory Lubed
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mount
5-pin
5-pin
5-pin
5-pin
Stem Material
H2 large spherical-tip
POM
POM
Best For
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Structured product data
Detailed specifications
General
- Brand
- HMX
- Switch type
- Tactile
- Mount
- 5-pin
- Factory lubed
- Yes
Performance
- Operating force
- 45 gf
- Bottom-out force
- 50 gf
- Pre-travel
- 2.5 mm
- Total travel
- 3.5 mm
- Sound profile
- Low-pitched / thocky-leaning
- Typing feel
- Early large-bump tactile with a rounded transition
Construction
- Stem material
- H2 large spherical-tip
- Top housing
- PA22
- Bottom housing
- P4
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
switchs
- Included switches10 switchs
- Selected color—
Product-specific FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions that most often decide a purchase.
The core construction and travel are the same. The 37g version uses 37 ±5gf operating force and 43 ±5gf bottom-out, while the 45g version uses 45 ±5gf operating force and 50 ±5gf bottom-out. Choose 37g for a lighter press and 45g for more resistance.
It is a tactile switch. Puppy is designed around an early, large tactile event with a rounded transition, so you feel clear feedback during the press rather than the uninterrupted motion of a linear switch.
Yes. The 37g and 45g versions are factory-lubed. Lubrication can improve smoothness and consistency, but exact feel can still vary slightly between individual switches.
It uses an MX-style 5-pin mount and can work with compatible hot-swap sockets. Compatibility still depends on the specific PCB and plate, so check whether your keyboard accepts the same footprint before ordering.
Specialist retailers consistently describe Puppy as low-pitched, bassy or thocky-leaning. Treat that as a sound direction rather than a guaranteed result: case material, plate, mounting, foam, keycaps and recording conditions can change the final sound substantially.
The product specification lists an H2 large spherical-tip stem, PA22 top housing and P4 bottom housing. H2 is the stem’s material designation as published by HMX.
A 70-pack is enough for many 60% keyboards and some 65% layouts. Most 75%, TKL and full-size keyboards need more than 70 switches. Check your board's real switch count and consider ordering a few spares.
Ready to build with Minikeys × HMX Puppy Tactile Switch?
Choose the option for your build, add it to your cart, or compare before ordering.