Opening Words:

Hello, today's review will go over the HMX Yogurt, the HMX linear that I personally consider as their peak release at the moment. I generally avoid reviewing HMX switches as there are too many to count and with marginal differences between them, however the HMX Yogurt is still a stand-out release simply due to how it emphasizes the particular strengths of HMX. It just works.

In the words of a fellow switch reviewer, I do like to think that these may be "the one".

Switch Introduction:

The HMX Yogurt is a long-pole linear with a PC top housing, P5 bottom housing modified with 40-45% fiberglass, and a POM stem.

They come with an extended 22mm single-stage KOS spring with two weight options. 
One with an operating force of 45g and bottoming out at 53g,
One with an operating force of 53g and bottoming out at 62g.
There is a variance of 2g among them.

They have a travel distance of 3.4mm which can be considered slightly shorter than the average long-pole.

They come factory lubed.

These switches were designed by XLLAB who has designed other switches such as the Keygeek Briny, HMX Vintage Citrus, the metal pole tactiles from Haimu (Rock/Mulberry), and others that I am unaware of.

Short Summary

Stock Experience:

The HMX Yogurts utilize HMX's standard pre-lubing method, a mix of Krytox GPL 205 and GPL 105 in a very thin compound which is spread over the stem legs, bottom-housing rails, and spring.

It is very similar to most of HMX's other releases with some possible ticking from the springs but it isn't particular noticeable at all when typing. 

The housing tolerances are good and cause no issue for typing or travel, there is also no wobble to worry about.

Would I modify them?
Personally no, I haven't found any reason to open them up besides looking at what's inside. They don't require films, additional lubing is optional, spring swapping is also optional. I went with the 53g weight option and it feels decent and not too light.

P5 Bottom Housing - 40-45% Fiberglass:

So what exactly does P5 entail versus the other P materials from HMX? So far the only thing that's been mentioned is that is has the highest percentage of fiberglass added at roughly 40-45%.

The P materials all have nylon as the base, and have modifications that utilize PTFE and fiberglass to alter the sound profile but also greatly improve the smoothness.

As a small reminder, PTFE greatly improves the smoothness of the material and reduces the coefficient of friction, but PTFE alone can compromise the firmness of the material, which is why fiberglass is added to reinforce the nylon.

With around 10% more fiberglass than their other releases, you can definitely hear it in the sound profile and perhaps even in the typing feel, it is more firm and improves the depth of sound. However, I cannot guarantee that more fiberglass is always better, it is probably a delicate matter when it comes to creating new switches.

(So far, the only other releases with P5 bottom housings are the Pink Pig, Gulf, and Cream Latte.)

Overall Design:

Although I do not know what XLLAB was thinking when these switches were created, my only guess would be: "I just want it to clack hard"

My first impression after trying these out after receiving them immediately brought me back to the first time I used HMX when we just released the Macchiato, Hyacinth v2, and Xinhai. I could only think that these switches were so sharp, and left such a powerful impression when typing. Of course, things have changed over time but its still common that HMX switches often produce sharper sounds compared to other manufacturers. 

The main reason why these switches are so notable is that they simply embrace that OG profile of HMX and know exactly what they are trying to be. Nothing like trying to be a "different" kind of HMX release, or a "thocky" HMX release. They are unapologetically here to make a statement with their absurd sound profile, so that when you first throw them onto a board, you'll have a similar reaction to when I first experienced HMX a few years ago.

It's a great switch for those who are searching for a release that simply clacks different.

Smoothness and typing experience:

HMX's smoothness is nothing to scoff at, especially with their newer molds. They were already dominating the factory-lubed market in the past and now they are dominating with even less lube nowadays. 

Like mentioned above, by utilizing their P material blends, they can easily create smooth linears by utilizing PTFE and fiberglass with a nylon base to create a naturally smooth housing. 

With the right tolerances in the housing, everything just travels smoothly with the keypress, no sticking feeling, sluggishness, or wobbling.

Although it has a firm bottom-out, it isn't overly exhausting on the fingers thanks to the lighter overall weight and excellent smoothness, I originally tested these on an aluminum plate and didn't feel much issue when typing for long periods of time. However, if you are sensitive to stronger typing experiences, I would be mindful of the fact that you can definitely find softer switches out there.

Sound Profile:

Like mentioned earlier, the HMX Yogurt embodies the strengths of HMX in its sound profile. Clean, bright, and with a full bottom-out that sounds as crisp as the other HMX releases.

Due to the increased amount of fiberglass, it's hard to avoid having a slightly glassy sound profile in general with these switches, but it also doesn't sound overly thin which can be a weakness in some of the others. It is high pitched, but isn't shrill or piercingly sharp.

The HMX Yogurt is a strong long-pole linear that carries a bright sound profile that can liven up any board that you put them in. The overall sound is crisp, clean, and satisfyingly full, if you appreciate switches on the clackier side of the spectrum, these will not disappoint at all.

Clean refers to a sound profile that is mostly one-note or consolidated, lacking excess noise from factors like scratch, or having a top-out that is much quieter than the bottom-out.

Full refers to a sound profile that doesn't sound shallow to our ears, or isn't dull and empty. (To be more specific, it has all kinds of frequencies in the sound, lows, mids, and highs.)

Crisp refers to having a solid bottom out that is clear and is easy to hear, doesn't necessarily mean loud and bright.

(I can consider these to be slightly glassy, but they don't sound thin at all.)

Comparative Notes:

I will break down the comparative strength of this switch when compared to other manufacturers and their average switch releases. Keep in mind that this is not a guaranteed guide, this serves to assist those who don't have a general idea of what to expect from this switch or other manufacturers.

Compared to Keygeek switches on average:
1. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be similar in fullness, sometimes less.
2. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be higher pitched than most Keygeek releases.
3. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be slightly louder or similar to most Keygeek releases.
4. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be of similar weight or lighter than most Keygeek releases.
5. The HMX Yogurt is likely to have a better stock experience.
6. The HMX Yogurt is likely to have a slightly better smoothness.

Compared to SWK switches on average:
1. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be slightly fuller or of similar fullness.
2. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be of similar pitch to most SWK releases.
3. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be of similar volume or slightly quieter than most SWK.
4. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be lighter than most SWK releases.
5. The HMX Yogurt is likely to have a better stock experience.
6. The HMX Yogurt is likely to have better smoothness.

Compared to HMX switches on average:
1. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be one of the most full-sounding HMX releases.
2. The HMX Yogurt is of similar pitch or slightly higher pitched than most recent releases.
3. The HMX Yogurt is likely to be one of the louder HMX switches.
4. The HMX Yogurt is similarly weighted to most HMX releases.
5. The HMX Yogurt is similar stock or slightly better to most HMX switches.
6. The HMX Yogurt is similar in smoothness to most HMX switches, perhaps some of the UPE blends are smoother.

Flaws and things I didn't like:

No particular flaws or things I didn't like, perhaps the only objective flaw is the minor tick from something inside the switch but it is covered up by the switch's volume.

No preferential changes either, this switch does what it was designed for.

PERSONAL BUILD RECOMMENDATIONS: (PREFERENCE/OPINION BASED)

I originally used them on an aluminum-plated board, and I continued to re-test them on stiff plates to accentuate their strengths.

Of course, if you simply want the HMX experience but don't want to experience this pitch daily, then deeper plates like Polypropylene, POM, and Nylon(PA12) are likely to be your best bet.

Some type of gasket or leaf-spring mounting is recommended due to their firm bottom-out, but if you like that firmness, then double down with top mount or tadpole mount.

Foam is not recommended here.

Closing Summary:

The HMX Yogurt is a strong representative of what HMX is capable of, a bright and fulfilling long-pole that carries a powerful sound profile.

I personally find these to be the best balance of high pitch and loud volume from HMX as some of the other releases are disappointingly thin in exchange for having a bright sound. I placed them as my benchmark for high-intensity HMX.

While it's true that HMX is releasing various switches that do have slightly different sound profiles, most apples don't fall far from the tree. In this case, they all still have a similar flavor no matter how you prepare them. Rather than trying to shore up weaknesses, I personally think that HMX should continue working with their strengths and avoid releasing switches that objectively sound weaker than competitors. (I think they've figured it out now though)

Despite everything, these Yogurts are amazing enough that they overshadow most HMX releases, so much that I doubt that any HMX linear will replace them for me, perhaps it'll take a couple years before something like that comes out. That being said, I don't use HMX in any of my main collection anyway.

If you're in the market for some fresh clacks, this is the one for you, HMX has had one job, and they definitely didn't mess up with the HMX Yogurts.

FINAL SCORING: 9.0/10 [It just works]