HMX Retro J switch
The HMX Retro J is a tactile mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 36g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by HMX. Manufactured by HMX.

Where to buy HMX Retro J switches?
Here are some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Retro J switches. When available, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Currency:
| Store | Area | Offer | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DiviniKey | US | 6.84 USD / 18 pcs | 0.38 USD | buy | |
| Lume Keebs | US | 3.99 USD / 10 pcs 5% off, KBDNEW (not kbdnewS) | 0.40 USD | buy | |
| UniKeys | CN | 3.91 USD / 10 pcs 7% off, KBDNEWS | 0.39 USD | buy | |
| The Thocc Exchange | UK | 3.56 GBP / 10 pcs 5% off, KBDNEWS | 0.48 USD | buy |
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 J data sheet
| Name | HMX Retro J |
|---|---|
| Type | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon PA66 |
| Stem | POM standard |
| Spring | single-stage extended KOS |
| Tactile force | - g |
| Actuation | 36 g |
| Bottom-out | 55 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. |
| Designer | HMX |
| Manufacturer | HMX |
Comments on HMX Retro J switches
The HMX Retro J tactile switch features a loud and clacky sound profile. They are manufactured using HMX's newest tactile switch mold, which differentiates them from HMX's previous tactile switches such as Cilantro or Frog tactile switches. The Retro J tactile switch comes with minimal pre and post-travel. The tactile bump is rounded and close to a D shape – Unikeys.
HMX Retro J alternatives
Here are some notable alternatives to the HMX Retro J, our reference switch. Competitors with comparable specs across parameters like switch type, housing material, actuation and bottom-out forces and travel distances — even color. Not perfect matches but the closest results in order of similarity.
| Sim. | Similar switches | Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93% | HMX Sandstorm tactile, 5-pin, PC/PA66 Nylon/POM, 50/58gF, 2.3/3.1mm | Compare | ||
| 93% | HMX Hydra tactile, 5-pin, PC/P2/POM, 42/50gF, 2.3/3.1mm | Compare | ||
| 92% | Gateron Beer tactile, 5-pin, PC/PC/POM, 38/50gF, 2.0/3.4mm | Compare | ||
| 92% | Duhuk Lumia Bitter Tea V2 tactile, 5-pin, PC/PBT/POM, 42/58gF, 1.8/3.0mm | Compare | ||
| 92% | MMD Holy Panda V3 tactile, 5-pin, PC/Nylon/POM, 45/60gF, 2.2/3.2mm | Compare | ||
| 92% | Sillyworks X HMX Waverider V2 tactile, 5-pin, PC/PA66 Nylon/POM, 42/53gF, 2.0/3.8mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | BSUN x Zuoce Studio Cheese Grape tactile, 5-pin, PC/PA+30% fiberglass/POM, 27/45gF, 2.0/3.2mm | Compare | ||
| 91% | MMD Princess Tactile Ultra tactile, 5-pin, PC/Nylon PA66/LY, 48/60gF, 2.0/3.6mm | Compare | ||
| 90% | HMX Black Cat tactile, 5-pin, PA12 Nylon/P3/POM, 35/48gF, 2.5/3.0mm | Compare | ||
| 90% | HMX Yamatake tactile, 5-pin, PC/PA-2/POM, 40/50gF, 2.0/3.5mm | Compare | ||
| 90% | BSUN Ocean tactile, 5-pin, PC/Nylon/LY, 40/57gF, 2.0/3.3mm | Compare | ||
To recap: we were looking for tactile mechanical switches possibly with PC top housing, Nylon PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard). The 36g actuation occuring at 2.50mm. The 55g bottom-out being at around 3mm. Factory lubing? Yes! — similar to the HMX Retro J.