The HMX Retro KD200 and HMX Taro Ball switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, standard stem shape, 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring, 45 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different stem material (LY vs H2), bottom-out force (50 g vs 53 g), total travel (3.50 mm vs 3.60 mm). That said, they are very 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 Taro Ball is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, and H2 stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Retro KD200 | HMX Taro Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | P2 | P2 |
| Stem material | LY | H2 |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended |
| Actuation | 45 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3.60 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Mix of 105 and 205. | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. |
| Designer | 80 Retros | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Taro Ball is not available at the moment, while the HMX Retro KD200 can be found in 2 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Retro KD200 and HMX Taro Ball 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 KD200 switches | Comments on HMX Taro Ball 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 HMX Taro Ball linear switch is XLLAB's newest design. It has an H2 modified UPE stem with a small spherical stem tip. Compared to switches that come with a big spherical stem tip, such as Canglan V3 or Sprite switches, the smaller spherical tip further solidifies the sound signature. The housing is made of PA12 and P2, the same as the Cheese and Sugar Rush switches. They work with the new H2 stem to create a thockier but still very loud bottom-out sound – Unikeys. |
