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
Cart (0)
02 / THE ESSENTIALS
Minikeys × HMX Puppy Tactile Switch at a Glance
45 gf
Operating force
50 gf
Bottom-out force
2.5 mm
Pre-travel
3.5 mm
Total travel
5-pin
Mount
Compatibility & build notes
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.
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.
Construction
Operating force45 gf
Bottom-out force50 gf
Pre-travel2.5 mm
Total travel3.5 mm
Mount5-pin
Compare with similar switches
Use verified force, travel, mount and lubrication fields to see how this switch differs from nearby alternatives.
Scroll to compare
Minikeys × HMX Puppy Tactile SwitchCurrent
View product
|
WJBY Lab × HMX Longjing Tea S Tactile SwitchView product |
Xuhua Holy Panda 5-Pin Tactile SwitchView product |
|---|---|---|
| Type Tactile | Type Tactile | Type Tactile |
| Operating force 45 gf | Operating force 45 gf | Operating force 55 gf |
| Bottom-out force 50 gf | Bottom-out force 50 gf | Bottom-out force 62 gf |
| Pre-travel 2.5 mm | Pre-travel 2 mm | Pre-travel 2.2 mm |
| Total travel 3.5 mm | Total travel 3.7 ± 0.3 mm | Total travel 3.2 mm |
| Mount 5-pin | Mount 5-pin | Mount 5-pin |
| Factory lube Yes | Factory lube Yes | Factory lube Yes |
Detailed specifications
Brand
HMX
Switch Type
Tactile
Operating Force
45 gf
Bottom-out Force
50 gf
Pre-travel
2.5 mm
Total Travel
3.5 mm
Stem Material
H2 large spherical-tip
Top Housing
PA22
Bottom Housing
P4
Factory Lubed
Yes
Mount
5-pin
Sound Profile
Low-pitched / thocky-leaning
Typing Feel
Early large-bump tactile with a rounded transition
Good to Know
Trade-offs and compatibility checks
- Sound varies with plate, case, mounting and keycaps
- 37g may feel very light for users who prefer heavier tactiles
- 45g adds resistance but is still not a heavy tactile
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.
Questions about Minikeys × HMX Puppy Tactile Switch
What is the difference between the 37g and 45g HMX Puppy?
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.
Is the HMX Puppy a tactile or linear switch?
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.
Are HMX Puppy switches factory lubed?
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.
Is HMX Puppy compatible with hot-swap keyboards?
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.
Does HMX Puppy sound thocky?
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.
What materials does HMX Puppy use?
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.
Is a 70-switch pack enough for my keyboard?
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.