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HMX Bruise vs HMX Frog – Modern Tactiles: Mild Comfort vs Snappy Feedback
Small differences in tactile bump shape, weight and travel can have a big impact on how a keyboard feels. HMX Bruise and HMX Frog are both modern tactile switches with a relatively mild, fast bump (not a heavy “Holy Panda”-style wall), but they deliver clearly different typing experiences.
1. Construction & Materials
- HMX Bruise – A light tactile with a short, mild “p-shaped” bump and 3.8mm total travel. Nylon top & bottom housing, POM stem, usually factory-lubed. The overall feel is subtle and controlled, with a clean and restrained sound.
- HMX Frog – Known for its snappy and direct tactile bump, offering more feedback than Bruise without becoming overly aggressive. 5-pin design, factory-lubed, with 3.8mm travel and a slightly heavier bottom-out.
2. Technical Specifications
HMX Bruise
- Type: Tactile (mild, short bump)
- Bottom-out: 50g
- Pre-travel: Not always consistently listed
- Total travel: 3.8mm
- Mount: 5-pin (PCB)
- Materials: Nylon top, Nylon bottom, POM stem
- Lubing: Factory lubed
HMX Frog
- Type: Tactile (snappy, clearly defined bump)
- Actuation: 50g
- Bottom-out: 55g
- Pre-travel: 2.0mm
- Total travel: 3.8mm
- Mount: 5-pin (PCB; pins can be clipped)
- Lubing: Factory lubed
3. Sound Profile & Typing Feel
| Switch | Weight | Travel | Sound | Typing Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMX Bruise | 50g bottom-out | 3.8mm | Clean and restrained (board-dependent) | Mild, short bump; light and comfortable for long sessions |
| HMX Frog | 50g actuation / 55g bottom-out | 3.8mm | Snappy, more present and lively | Direct, snappy bump with clearer feedback |
4. Community Impressions
“Bruise feels super mild and smooth – tactile without being tiring.”
“Frog is that snappy tactile you notice instantly, without turning into a brick wall.”
“Both feel modern and tight, but Frog definitely has more punch.”
5. Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose HMX Bruise if you want a light, comfortable tactile for long work or typing sessions.
- Choose HMX Frog if you prefer a snappier tactile with more pronounced feedback on each keystroke.
Conclusion
HMX Bruise and HMX Frog are both excellent modern tactiles with relatively mild bumps. The main difference lies in energy and feedback: Bruise is lighter and calmer, while Frog feels snappier and more assertive. If comfort is your priority, go Bruise. If you want more tactile presence, Frog is the better pick.