The HMX Retro KD200 and Keygeek B1 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 top housing, standard stem shape, 45 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (P2 vs N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass)), stem material (LY vs M4 strengthened POM), spring (22 mm KOS single-stage extended vs 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire), bottom-out force (50 g vs 55 g), total travel (3.50 mm vs 3.70 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 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 Keygeek B1 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) bottom housing, and M4 strengthened POM stem (standard shape). It features a 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Keygeek. |
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| Name | HMX Retro KD200 | Keygeek B1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | P2 | N5 (Nylon with 50% fiberglass) |
| Stem material | LY | M4 strengthened POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended | 21 mm single-stage Japanese wire |
| Actuation | 45 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 55 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3.70 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Mix of 105 and 205. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | 80 Retros | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Keygeek |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that availability of the HMX Retro KD200 and Keygeek B1 switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Retro KD200 and Keygeek B1 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 | Keygeek B1 sound test |
No HMX Retro KD200 sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Retro KD200 switches | Comments on Keygeek B1 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. | What if I tell you the Keygeek B1 switches are the clackiest switch so far on earth? The keygeek B1 linear switch is the first ever switch that uses a nylon bottom housing with 50% fiberglass added. The M4 strengthened POM stem and the N5 nylon bottom housing are born for one thing: To create the clackiest switch possible – Unikeys. |