The HMX x 80 Retros FJ400 and Gateron North Pole switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PC top housing, standard stem shape, 50 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (P2 vs PC), stem material (T2 vs thermoplastic), spring (22 mm KOS single-stage extended vs 20 mm gold-plated stainless steel), bottom-out force (58 g vs 62.5 g), total travel (3.80 mm vs 4 mm). That said, they are only slightly 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 x 80 Retros FJ400 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, P2 bottom housing, and T2 stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. | The Gateron North Pole is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PC bottom housing, and thermoplastic stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm gold-plated stainless steel spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 62.5g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
|
|
| Name | HMX x 80 Retros FJ400 | Gateron North Pole |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | P2 | PC |
| Stem material | T2 | thermoplastic |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended | 20 mm gold-plated stainless steel |
| Actuation | 50 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 58 g | 62.5 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX x 80 Retros FJ400 is much more widely available, but the Gateron North Pole is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX x 80 Retros FJ400 and Gateron North Pole 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 x 80 Retros FJ400 switches | Comments on Gateron North Pole switches |
The switch color scheme is inspired by the Fuji 400 film roll. Compared to traditional HMX clicky switches, this switch has a more thocky sound. It features an HMX T2 material stem, P2 material bottom housing, and a PC material top housing that dampens the sound. With a total travel of 3.8mm, the sound is quieter compared to the 3.5mm travel switches – Deskhero. | Gateron North Pole are fully transparent linear switches with top and bottom polycarbonate housing and a unique stem material using ink v2 housing material – Coffeekeys. |
