The HMX Retro J and MMD Princess Tactile Ultra switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature PC top housing, Nylon PA66 bottom housing, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different stem material (POM vs LY), spring (single-stage extended KOS vs 20.5 mm single-stage), actuation (36 g vs 48 g), bottom-out force (55 g vs 60 g), pre-travel (2.50 mm vs 2 mm), total travel (3 mm vs 3.60 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 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. | The MMD Princess Tactile Ultra is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon PA66 bottom housing, and LY stem (standard shape). It features a 20.5 mm single-stage spring. The 48g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Medium to heavy tactility with a very nice rounded bump. Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! |
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| Name | HMX Retro J | MMD Princess Tactile Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon PA66 | Nylon PA66 |
| Stem material | POM | LY |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | single-stage extended KOS | 20.5 mm single-stage |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 36 g | 48 g |
| Bottom-out | 55 g | 60 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3 mm | 3.60 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! |
| Designer | HMX | - |
| Manufacturer | 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 MMD Princess Tactile Ultra is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Retro J and MMD Princess Tactile Ultra 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 Retro J switches | Comments on MMD Princess Tactile Ultra switches |
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. | MMD Princess Ultra are the latest version of the MMD Princess switches. These switches now feature a nylon bottom housing for even more thock and an LED diffuser for improved illumination. Thanks to the newest molds, tolerances have been further refined and stem wobble significantly reduced. As always, they come with excellent factory lubing and the signature smooth typing feel—these switches remain our absolute favorites! – MonacoKeys. |