The HMX Retro KD200 and HMX Emo switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature P2 bottom housing, LY stem material, standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, 3.50 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA12 vs PC), spring (22 mm KOS single-stage extended vs 22 mm single-stage), actuation (45 g vs 40 g), bottom-out force (50 g vs 46 g). That said, they are quite 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 KD200 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, and LY stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by 80 Retros. Manufactured by HMX. | The HMX Emo is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, P2 bottom housing, and LY stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 46g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Long pole. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Retro KD200 | HMX Emo |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PC |
| Bottom housing | P2 | P2 |
| Stem material | LY | LY |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended | 22 mm single-stage |
| Actuation | 45 g | 40 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 46 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3.50 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Mix of 105 and 205. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | 80 Retros | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Emo is much more widely available, but the HMX Retro KD200 is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Retro KD200 and HMX Emo 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!
HMX Retro KD200 sound test | HMX Emo sound test |
No HMX Retro KD200 sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Retro KD200 switches | Comments on HMX Emo switches |
The KD200 is more clacky then the FJ400 and the Game1989 switch from the same series. Compared to other HMX switches, these tend to be a bit more muted. Shipping in a small box in the shape of a film roll container. These are the HMX Film switches, coming in three distinct models: KD200, FJ400, and Game 1989 Classic. KD200 stands out as the most high pitch clacky option among them, utilising HMX's latest stem and bottom housing molds for an enhanced typing experience akin to HMX Cheese switches. All three switches benefit from HMX's updated molds that have fixed the leaf tick and lubing issues – KeebzNCables. | The Emo switches have a unique sound profile compared to other HMX switches, the emo is a quieter and less high pitched than other HMX long poles. They still have that satisfying clack, but its more pleasant to the ears whilst having a softer and less jarring bottom-out. They still are a HMX switch so expect the usual fantastic lubing, and a great stock experience. Another Rassles recommendation, please buy so I don't have to fire her – Keebz N Cables. At first, I thought the EMO switches were a re-color of the Cloud switches. That was also the reason why Unikeys didn't stock them after they were released. It was only after I tried them myself and noticed that they sound and feel quite different from most HMX switches there is. The difference might not be too significant to some but here they are: They are not as loud and high-pitched as most HMX switches. They are still clacky but quite joyful to listen to. The bottom-out feeling is not harsh. They have a comparable softer bottom-out and are very nice to type on. One word I would choose to describe these switches is "subtle". However, they are still an HMX switch. They have all the well-known characters of an HMX switch just a little bit tuned down – Unikeys. |
