Introduction:
As the year wound down, the keyboard community found itself in a sense of repetition – dominated by familiar designs and predictable switch offerings. But when it seemed like nothing new was on the horizon, HMX emerged to shake things up. Making light of their unique material compositions and more thorough application of prelube, HMX destroyed the status quo with their release of their latest creations: Budget switches set to redefine the switch standards. And here I sit with their newly released HMX Duck Ducks (Sunset Gleams), to find out the answer of: Are they quacking switches, or not?
Background:
With some of HMX’s earlier independent switch creations and collaborative entries with Swagkeys such as the HMX Rainbow Candy Pink and HMX Pearl, switch enthusiasts were quick to notice the similarities in the molds between KTT switches and HMX. This is notably pointed out by the vendor SwitchOdditie who specializes in understanding more deeply where switches come from and finding information on switch manufacturers that may not be as widely known. He notes in the description for HMX Glazed Jade, for example, that the moulding is an exact match to KTT Strawberry V2. However, with their more recent works such as the Hyacinth V2 and now the Duck Ducks, there has been a separation now not only in the plastic mixes but also the quality of prelube and continuous efforts to keep a low price point.
Specs:
- Switch type: Linear
- Actuation: 42±5g
- Bottom-out: 48±5g
- Pre-travel: 2mm
- Total travel: 3.5mm
- Factory lubed: GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. Dry film lube on springs
- Mount type: 5-pin
- Top housing: PC
- Bottom housing: Modified PA66
- Stem: LY
- Spring: 22mm Single-Stage KOS stainless steel extended spring
- Price: $0.33 per switch
As noted in Unikeys’ initial IC post on Geekhack, the bottom-housing plastic mix is unique in its slight blend of PA66 and fiberglass, which increases higher pitched tones and overall consistency in molding due to the rigidity of fiberglass. The creation of this switch is also in part due to Knock Knock Studio, who designed the initial switch and had a hand in changing the plastic mixture as well.
Smoothness:
The Duck Ducks boast an exceptional level of smoothness that I find really hard to beat with other switches, especially at this price point. From the actuation to the release, they glide effortlessly without any roughness. What is more impressive, I find, is how consistent the lube application is across the entire batch of switches – they feel identical to the next, with no discernible differences. Furthermore, there is neither too much lube or little, it is the right amount.
Feel:
Typing on the Duck Ducks is not my usual experience, due to their lighter actuation force. To me, it feels like there’s barely any weight behind them. Each keystroke feels effortless. With a low total travel they respond instantly too, subsequently resulting in a snappy typing experience that is very different to what I am used to. For me, I really enjoy this quick and nimble feel, although it did take me a bit of time to get used to, due to coming from heavier switches. Since adjusting though, I do find it hard to go back to anything else.
Sound:
The Duck Ducks are, simply put, “clack” monsters. With their unique material composition of PC top housing and a modified PA66 with fiberglass, paired with an LY stem, these switches produce a remarkably high-pitched sound. While PC top housings often result in a somewhat fragile and loose top-out sound, HMX’s modifications to the touch point where the stem hits the top housing have significantly reduced this effect. What remains is a concentrated top and bottom-out sound that is full, high-pitched, and truly distinct.
Price:
At $0.33 per switch, the Duck Ducks offer an incredible value. With a blend of unique components alongside some standard ones like the PC top housing, these switches deliver performance that far exceeds their price point. From a purely price-to-performance ratio, there are few switches on the market that can rival what the Duck Ducks offer.
Overall:
With their exceptional performance, distinctive sound profile and superb value, they make themselves a standout choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking out a light, clacky switch without breaking the bank. These switches are available for purchase at SerpentKeys for UK residents and Unikeys internationally. Links will be below:
HMX Duck Ducks sold at SerpentKeys (UK)
HMX Duck Ducks sold at UniKeys (INT’L)
And for those that are waiting for it… Here are what the Ducks Ducks sound like