The HMX Black Cat and HMX Retro J switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, single-stage extended KOS spring, - g , - mm , 2.50 mm pre-travel, 3 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA12 Nylon vs PC), bottom housing (P3 vs Nylon PA66), actuation (35 g vs 36 g), bottom-out force (48 g vs 55 g). That said, they are quite 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 HMX Black Cat is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, P3 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 35g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. | 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 | HMX Black Cat | HMX Retro J |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 Nylon | PC |
| Bottom housing | P3 | Nylon PA66 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | single-stage extended KOS | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 35 g | 36 g |
| Bottom-out | 48 g | 55 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3 mm | 3 mm |
| Lube | 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. | 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 | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Retro J is much more widely available, but the HMX Black Cat is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Black Cat 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 HMX Black Cat switches | Comments on HMX Retro J switches |
The Black Cat tactile switch is a clacky-sounding long-pole tactile switch manufactured by HMX. Unlike most short travel HMX tactile switches, the Black Cat tactiles have a PA12 top housing instead of a PC one. The PA12 material is better for calming down the overall top-out sound to make it not too shrill. With the POM stem and P3 bottom housing, the Black Cat switch overall sounds very pleasant. The tactile bump is very close to a D shape, like the retro J or Hydra switches. It's rounded and very comfortable to type on – Unikeys. | 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. |
