KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Switches vs HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 Switches

Overview

The designers of the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 have also collaborated with KTT to produce the next line of 80Retros Game 1989 switches. Introducing the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Red and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Orange. How do the HMX manufactured 80Retros GAME 1989 compare to the KTT manufactured 80Retros GAME 1989?

Product Details


Name	KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Orange	KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Red	HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 Classic
Type	Linear	Linear	Linear
Top Housing Material	PC	PC	PC
Bottom Housing Material	PA66	PA66	P4
Stem Material	KT2	KT3	T5
Actuation Force	40g	43g	45±2g
Bottom Out Force	50g	48g	53±2g
Spring	22mm KOS single-stage extended	22mm KOS single-stage extended	22mm KOS single-stage extended
Pre Travel	2.0mm	1.9mm	2.0mm
Total Travel	4.0mm	4.0mm	4.0mm
Mount	5 pin	5 pin	5 pin
Factory Lube	Yes	Yes	Yes

Material and Construction

The HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 use slightly different choices for their materials. They both use PC for their top housings but for the bottom housings the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 uses P4 and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 uses PA66. For the stems the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 uses T5 and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 uses KT2/KT3. Both the HMX and KTT use a 22mm KOS single-staged spring.

Since these 80Retros GAME 1989 are made by two different manufacturers, there are bound to be differences in their molds. The KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 and the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 visually have slightly different mounds for their top and bottom housings as well as the stems. One interesting difference in their molds is that for the stem, the underside of the stem rails of the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 are hollowed out while the stem rails of the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 are like traditional switch stems. The stem of the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 therefore has less surface area that comes in bottom with the bottom housing when bottoming out which could affect the sound.

Operating Force and Typing Feel

The HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 also have very similar typing feel. The KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 have slightly lighter bottom out weights at 48g and 50g, while the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 has a bottom out weight of 53g. Relatively similar ranges for their spring weights. Both the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 and KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 also have a full travel distance of 4.0mm, however the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Red has an ever so slightly shorter pre travel distance of 1.9mm instead of 2.0mm.

One thing to note about their typing feel is that although both the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 are advertised to have 4.0mm full travel distances, the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 switches seem to bottom out slightly shorter than 4.0mm and have a slightly more stem pole bottom out feel while the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 switches seem to bottom out slightly more than 4.0mm and have a slightly more traditional bottom out feel.

Both the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 come with consistent and thorough factory lube which allows users to have a top-notch typing experience straight out of the box. They're smooth to type on and have light to medium actuation weights which allows for a comfortable typing experience.

Sound Profile

In general, the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 switches sound relatively lower pitched than the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 switches. However, that's only when it's isolated to comparing just the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 and the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989. They still lean towards a higher pitched and clacky sound profile.

Both the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 and the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 sound clean with no spring ping or rattle due to the excellent factory lube and their tight housing tolerances. The KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 switches have a slight scratch when inspecting them at ear level but is not noticeable during normal typing.

Sound test of the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Orange:

Sound test of the KTT x 80Retros GAME 1989 Red:

Sound test of the HMX x 80Retros GAME 1989 Classic:

Final Thoughts

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