The HMX Ice Lotus and HMX Retro J switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature Nylon PA66 bottom housing, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , 2.50 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (Nylon PA12 vs PC), stem material (POM (modified) vs POM), spring (22 mm single-stage extended KOS vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (55 g vs 36 g), bottom-out force (60 g vs 55 g), total travel (3.50 mm vs 3 mm). That said, they are moderately 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 Ice Lotus is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon PA12 top housing, Nylon PA66 bottom housing, and POM (modified) stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by YG Studio. 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 Ice Lotus | HMX Retro J |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon PA12 | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon PA66 | Nylon PA66 |
| Stem material | POM (modified) | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 55 g | 36 g |
| Bottom-out | 60 g | 55 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 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 | YG Studio | HMX |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Ice Lotus 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 HMX Ice Lotus 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 Ice Lotus switches | Comments on HMX Retro J switches |
The HMX Ice Lotus tactile switch features a large tactile bump and a new top housing structure. Unlike existing HMX tactile switches, Ice Lotus utilizes a new top housing mold, identical to that of Cloud V2 or Lunar Stone switches. With PA12 as the top housing material, modified POM as the stem material, and excellent factory lubrication, the Ice Lotus switch is exceptionally smooth out of the box – 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. |
