Product details

Thocky & Poppy • Spherical Stem Design

KeyGeek Y3X Linear Switch

Innovative linear switch by MZ Studio featuring spherical stem tip and matching bottom housing contact point for mellower, softer bottom-out feel. Designed for loud, thocky, and poppy acoustic profile combining creamy smoothness with energetic sound. Factory-lubed with KOS extended springs. Available in 37g, 45g, 53g, and 63.5g variants.

The KeyGeek Y3X linear switch represents thoughtful evolution in switch design philosophy, positioning itself as distinct alternative rather than direct upgrade to the acclaimed Y3 switch. While the classic Y3 delivers creamy, thocky acoustics favored by enthusiasts, the Y3X explores different sound and typing spectrum through innovative engineering approach. Designed by MZ Studio and manufactured by KeyGeek, the Y3X features groundbreaking spherical stem tip paired with matching spherical contact point in bottom housing—identical technology to KeyGeek's renowned Butterfly Switch.

This spherical design creates mellower, softer bottom-out sensation compared to traditional flat stem/housing interfaces, reducing harsh impact while maintaining satisfying keystroke feedback. The Y3X produces slightly louder, poppier acoustic signature than Y3—still thocky in character but with energetic, lively quality adding personality to typing experience. For users wanting keyboard that sounds simultaneously thocky and poppy (rather than purely one or the other), Y3X was specifically engineered to occupy this unique acoustic space. Factory lubrication ensures smooth operation straight from package, while high-precision custom molding and unique PA66 material blend create special sound and feel profile. Available in four spring weight options (37g, 45g, 53g, 63.5g), Y3X accommodates diverse preference from ultra-light rapid actuation to medium-weight controlled typing, all while maintaining signature thocky-poppy acoustic character that defines this innovative switch.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer
KeyGeek
Designer
MZ Studio
Switch Type
Linear
Stem Material
M5 POM (Spherical Tip)
Top Housing Material
PA66
Bottom Housing Material
PA66 (Spherical Contact)
Operating Force (37g)
32±5g
Operating Force (45g)
40±5g
Operating Force (53g)
48±5g
Operating Force (63.5g)
53±5g
Bottom-Out Forces
37g / 45g / 53g / 63.5g
Pre-Travel Distance
2.0mm
Total Travel Distance
3.8±0.1mm
Spring Type
KOS Extended Single-Stage
Factory Lubrication
Yes
Sound Profile
Thocky & Poppy

Key Features

Revolutionary Spherical Stem Design
Groundbreaking spherical stem tip technology—same innovation used in acclaimed KeyGeek Butterfly Switch—creates fundamentally different bottom-out experience compared to traditional flat-contact switches. Rather than abrupt stop when stem meets housing bottom, spherical tip creates gradual, cushioned contact distributing impact force across curved surface. This geometry produces mellower, softer bottom-out sensation reducing harsh jarring feeling common in aggressive typing. Paired with matching spherical contact point in bottom housing, creates optimized interface minimizing impact shock while maintaining satisfying keystroke feedback. Design particularly benefits users who type heavily or bottom out keys forcefully, providing more forgiving feel reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions.
Thocky & Poppy Acoustic Profile
Y3X occupies unique acoustic space designed specifically for users wanting keyboard that sounds simultaneously thocky and poppy rather than purely one characteristic. While classic Y3 delivers deep, creamy thock, Y3X adds energetic, lively pop creating more dynamic sound signature. Slightly louder than Y3 while maintaining thocky foundation, creating acoustic profile with personality and character. PA66 nylon housing material contributes to deeper thock component, while spherical stem/housing interaction creates distinctive pop on bottom-out. Result: typing experience that's satisfying both aurally and tactilely—deep enough to feel substantial, bright enough to remain engaging and expressive during long typing sessions.
Premium PA66 Material Blend
Both top and bottom housing constructed from PA66 nylon—engineered thermoplastic chosen for unique material properties affecting sound, feel, and durability. PA66 (Polyamide 66) offers superior acoustic dampening compared to polycarbonate, contributing to Y3X's thocky character while maintaining clarity preventing muddy sound. Material's natural sound-absorbing qualities reduce harsh high-frequency resonance while preserving satisfying low-pitched thock. PA66 provides excellent dimensional stability maintaining tight tolerances through temperature variations and extended use. Higher impact resistance than standard nylon compounds ensures housing withstands years of aggressive typing without cracking. Custom material blend formulated specifically for Y3X optimizes balance between acoustic performance, structural integrity, and manufacturing consistency ensuring every switch performs identically.
High-Precision Custom Molding
Manufactured using custom high-precision molding techniques ensuring tight tolerances and consistent quality across production runs. Precision molding critical for spherical stem/housing interface—even minor dimensional variations would compromise cushioned bottom-out feel Y3X was designed to deliver. Strict quality control maintains stem wobble within minimal specifications, preventing loose feel or inconsistent sound. Consistent wall thickness in housing components ensures uniform acoustic properties between switches—keyboard sounds cohesive rather than having "good" and "bad" switches. High-precision molding enables reliable factory lubrication application, as consistent internal surfaces allow lubricant to distribute evenly creating uniform smoothness. Manufacturing quality evident in switch performance: smooth travel, consistent sound, stable feel through millions of keystrokes.
KOS Extended Single-Stage Springs
Equipped with KOS extended single-stage springs delivering linear force curve without progressive weight increase during travel. Extended spring design (longer than standard length) reduces spring compression ratio during keystroke, creating smoother, more consistent resistance lacking coil bind issues that plague shorter springs. Single-stage construction maintains uniform spring rate from initial actuation through bottom-out, providing predictable feel without sudden force changes. Available in four carefully chosen weights: 37g ultra-light for rapid gaming inputs, 45g light for effortless typing, 53g medium for balanced feel, 63.5g medium-heavy for controlled deliberate keystrokes. KOS springs renowned for quality metallurgy reducing spring ping noise and maintaining consistent tension through extended use. Extended length works synergistically with spherical stem design creating smooth linear travel culminating in soft, cushioned bottom-out.
Factory Lubrication for Immediate Smoothness
Comprehensive factory lubrication applied during manufacturing ensures switches feel refined and ready to install straight from package. Lubricant strategically applied to stem rails, spring, and housing contact points eliminating scratchiness, spring ping, and friction that plague unlubed alternatives. Factory lube quality saves enthusiasts hours of tedious hand-lubing while ensuring consistency impossible to achieve manually across large quantities. Lubrication works particularly well with spherical stem design—curved surfaces benefit from even lubricant distribution creating exceptionally smooth bottom-out transition. Pre-lubed switches don't preclude additional lubing for users preferring heavier application, but most users find factory lubrication sufficient for premium typing experience. Ready-to-install convenience means building keyboard becomes simpler: install switches, add keycaps, start typing—no extensive preparation required.

Choose Your Spring Weight

37g Bottom-Out

ULTRA-LIGHT

Extremely light actuation (32±5g operating, 37g bottom-out) ideal for rapid gaming inputs and effortless high-speed typing. Minimal finger fatigue during marathon sessions. Best for users upgrading from light membrane keyboards or preferring nearly frictionless keystrokes.

45g Bottom-Out

LIGHT

Light actuation (40±5g operating, 45g bottom-out) providing responsive feel without being too effortless. Balances quick actuation with sufficient resistance preventing accidental presses. Popular choice for general typing and gaming.

53g Bottom-Out

MEDIUM

Medium weight (48±5g operating, 53g bottom-out) offering balanced resistance suitable for all-day typing. Provides noticeable spring feedback without fatigue. Versatile choice for users wanting middle-ground between light and heavy.

63.5g Bottom-Out

MEDIUM-HEAVY

Medium-heavy weight (53±5g operating, 63.5g bottom-out) delivering controlled, deliberate keystrokes. Substantial resistance prevents accidental actuations while remaining comfortable for extended use. Preferred by heavy typists and users wanting weighted feel.

Performance & Typing Experience

Smoothness

Factory lubrication combined with high-precision molding creates consistently smooth linear travel. Spherical stem design reduces friction during bottom-out creating notably smooth transition. PA66 material pairing provides low friction coefficient. Smoothness maintained through extended use thanks to durable materials and quality manufacturing.

Bottom-Out Feel

Revolutionary spherical stem/housing interface creates mellower, softer bottom-out compared to traditional flat-contact switches. Cushioned feel reduces impact shock making aggressive typing more comfortable. Firm but not stiff—provides satisfying feedback without harsh jarring. Particularly beneficial during marathon typing sessions.

Sound Character

Unique thocky and poppy acoustic profile distinguishes Y3X from competitors. Deep thock provides satisfying bass-like resonance, while poppy character adds energetic brightness. Slightly louder than Y3 making keystrokes more expressive and engaging. PA66 housing contributes to refined acoustics avoiding harsh high-pitched clack.

Versatility

Four spring weight options (37g/45g/53g/63.5g) accommodate diverse typing styles and preferences. Suitable for both high-speed typing and deliberate, controlled keystrokes. Works well across various keyboard builds—aluminum cases, plastic cases, different keycap materials. Factory lubrication means switches ready for any build immediately.

Ideal For

Y3 Users Seeking Different Acoustic Profile: Y3X offers distinct alternative for Y3 owners wanting similar quality with louder, poppier character. Not replacement but complementary option exploring different acoustic spectrum while maintaining thocky foundation.

Thocky-Poppy Sound Enthusiasts: Specifically designed for users wanting keyboard that sounds simultaneously thocky and poppy rather than purely one characteristic. Unique acoustic space that few switches occupy effectively.

Heavy Typists and Bottom-Out Users: Spherical stem design creates mellower, softer bottom-out ideal for aggressive typing styles. Reduces finger fatigue and impact shock during forceful keystrokes making extended sessions more comfortable.

Multi-Weight Preference Builders: Four spring options enable mixing weights across keyboard: lighter weights for frequently-used keys (home row, space), heavier weights for modifiers preventing accidental presses. Customized typing experience optimized for hand position and key usage.

Factory-Lubed Convenience Seekers: Ready-to-install switches eliminate tedious hand-lubing process. Factory lubrication provides consistent smoothness saving hours of preparation time—perfect for users wanting premium feel without extensive modifications.

Budget-Conscious Enthusiasts: Affordable pricing combined with innovative design, factory lubrication, and quality materials delivers exceptional value. Enthusiast-level performance at accessible price point.

Keyboard Build Experimenters: Relatively low cost per switch makes Y3X excellent for trying different spring weights, comparing against other switches, or building multiple keyboards without significant investment.

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Specifications

• Brand: KeyGeek
• Product Name: Y3X Linear Mechanical Switches
• Switch Type: Linear
• Mount: 5-pin PCB mount
• Stem: MX-style cross stem
• Pre-Lubed: Yes (factory pre-lubricated)
• Travel: Smooth linear travel profile
• Sound Profile: Clean, smooth linear tone
• Durability: Designed for extended use
• Pack Size: 10 switches

Inside the box

• 10 × KeyGeek Y3X linear mechanical switches
• Protective packaging

Compatibility

• Compatible with MX-style mechanical keyboards and PCBs supporting 5-pin switches
• Works with hot-swap and solder-mount boards
• Suitable for gaming, programming, office productivity, and everyday typing
• Fits 60%, 65%, TKL, full-size, and other standard layouts

Warranty

1 year manufacturer’s warranty – further warranty provided at OZO’s discretion depending on the situation