The HMX Retro J and Sillyworks X HMX Waverider V2 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature PC top housing, POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different bottom housing (Nylon PA66 vs PA66 Nylon), actuation (36 g vs 42 g), bottom-out force (55 g vs 53 g), pre-travel (2.50 mm vs 2 mm), total travel (3 mm vs 3.80 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 Sillyworks X HMX Waverider V2 is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Silliworks. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Retro J | Sillyworks X HMX Waverider V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon PA66 | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | single-stage extended KOS | - |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 36 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 55 g | 53 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3 mm | 3.80 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. |
| Designer | HMX | Silliworks |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Sillyworks X HMX Waverider V2 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 Retro J and Sillyworks X HMX Waverider V2 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 Sillyworks X HMX Waverider V2 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. | The Waverider V2 tactile switch is the successor to the classic KTT Waverider tactile switch that was released back in 2023. The new Waverider V2 tactile switch is now manufactured by HMX using their super-popular tactile designs. They come with a P tactile bump and a slightly longer than usual 3.8mm travel distance. This design pays tribute to the V1, which also had a large P and close to D tactile bump and slightly longer travel. Overall, the Waverider V2 switches are clacky, crisp, and clean to type on – Unikeys. |
