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The HMX Sandstorm and HMX Retro J 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 (PA66 Nylon vs Nylon PA66), spring (22 mm single-stage vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (50 g vs 36 g), bottom-out force (58 g vs 55 g), pre-travel (2.30 mm vs 2.50 mm), total travel (3.10 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 Sandstorm is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2.30mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.10mm. 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 Sandstorm | HMX Retro J |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | Nylon PA66 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 50 g | 36 g |
| Bottom-out | 58 g | 55 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.30 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.10 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 | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Sandstorm 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 Sandstorm 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 Sandstorm switches | Comments on HMX Retro J switches |
HMX Sandstorm - The latest HMX tactile switches feature a very pleasant and noticeable tactile bump, the familiar smooth HMX typing feel, and exactly the clacky sound we love from HMX! – MonacoKeys. | 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. |
