The Gateron POM Chocolate Smoothie and HMX Retro J switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different top housing (POM vs PC), bottom housing (POM vs Nylon PA66), spring (double-stage vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (55 g vs 36 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 2.50 mm), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Gateron POM Chocolate Smoothie is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with POM top housing, POM bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a double-stage spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2mm. Bottom-out is at 3.60mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. | The HMX Retro J is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 36g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by HMX. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Gateron POM Chocolate Smoothie | HMX Retro J |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | POM | PC |
| Bottom housing | POM | Nylon PA66 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | double-stage | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 55 g | 36 g |
| Bottom-out | - g | 55 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. |
| Designer | - | HMX |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Gateron POM Chocolate Smoothie is much more widely available, but the HMX Retro J is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Gateron POM Chocolate Smoothie and HMX Retro J switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on Gateron POM Chocolate Smoothie switches | Comments on HMX Retro J switches |
A new addition to Gateron's full POM smoothie series, the Chocolate Smoothie, true to it's name is a clacky and poppy tactile that is also super smooth stock – KeebzNCables. The GATERON POM mechanical switch set offers smooth keystrokes and long-lasting performance across multiple tactile profiles. Made with full POM housing, each switch reduces internal friction and resists oxidation over time. The factory-lubed design lowers sound levels and wear, while optional single or dual-stage springs provide varied feedback. Compatible with RGB setups, the switches support detachable light guides for brighter, consistent illumination – Gateron. | The HMX Retro J tactile switch features a loud and clacky sound profile. They are manufactured using HMX's newest tactile switch mold, which differentiates them from HMX's previous tactile switches such as Cilantro or Frog tactile switches. The Retro J tactile switch comes with minimal pre and post-travel. The tactile bump is rounded and close to a D shape – Unikeys. |
