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The Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn and HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature P4 bottom housing, standard stem shape, 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA12 vs PC), stem material (modified UPE vs T5), actuation (55 g vs 45 g), bottom-out force (62.5 g vs 53 g), total travel (3.90 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 Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P4 bottom housing, and modified UPE stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 62.5g bottom-out occurs at 3.90mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Unikeys. Manufactured by HMX. | The HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, P4 bottom housing, and T5 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 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by 80 Retros. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn | HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PC |
| Bottom housing | P4 | P4 |
| Stem material | modified UPE | T5 |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended |
| Actuation | 55 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 62.5 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.90 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails | Factory lubing? Yes! Mix of 105 and 205. |
| Designer | Unikeys | 80 Retros |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn is much more widely available, but the HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn and HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic 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!
Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn sound test | HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic sound test |
No Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn sound test available. |
Comments on Unikeys x HMX Purple Dawn switches | Comments on HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic switches |
The long-awaited Unikeys Purple Dawn switches are finally here! The Purple Dawn switch is one of the earliest HMX switches that use the UPE stem and the first HMX switch that pairs the UPE stem with the P4 bottom housing. If you have tried HMX switches with PA12 or P4 housings, you will notice that the PA12 material is one of the best top housing materials as it is very smooth and comes with a subtle and pleasant top-out sound. The P4 bottom housing is one of my favorites as it comes with a thocky, clacky, and vibrant bottom-out sound profile. When paired with the modified UPE stem, Purple Dawn switches overall sound quite poppy with a thocky note. They won't be too loud since UPE is one of the more muted materials in this hobby. Feeling-wise, they are very smooth and come with a clean and solid bottom-out. The modified UPE material is not as soft as UPE from other manufacturers as pure UPE can easily be broken. HMX modified its UPE material to make it more strengthened and more durable – uninkeyboards.com. | The Game 1989 switch is less clacky then the FJ400 and KD200 Switch from the same series and is even more muted compared to other HMX switches. 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. The Game 1989 Classic switch is characterized by its deep, thocky sound attributed to a T5 stem and P4 bottom housing, designed for a 4.0mm total travel, almost reaching the desired 4mm pole bottom-out specification. All three switches benefit from HMX's updated molds that have fixed the leaf tick and lubing issues – KeebzNCables. The HMX Game 1989 has an operating force of 45g and a bottom out force of 53g, with its bottom out force in between that of the KD200 and the FJ400. The HMX Game 1989 has a total travel distance of 4.0mm, which is the longest travel distance of the three HMX film switches. The HMX Game 1989 is the most traditional feeling from the HMX x 80Retros line. It has a full travel bottom out that will feel comfortable for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who are used to traditional full travel switches, like Cherry switches – LumeKeebs. |
