Overview
HMX x 80Retros film switches are made from the updated HMX molds to remedy any previous leaf ticking and lubing issues. The HMX Film switches come in three different models each with their own unique look and sound: the HMX KD200, HMX FJ200, and HMX Game 1989. These switches are made with high-quality materials to deliver a smooth typing experience. And the best part? The packaging is absolutely stunning!
Product Details
Switch Sound
The HMX x 80Retros Film switches have the classic HMX sound profile with varying pitches among them due to the differences in their materials, spring weights, and travel distances.
HMX KD200
The HMX KD200 has the highest pitch compared to the other two HMX film switches. It uses the same materials as the HMX Cheese for its housing and stem, which would explain the similar sound signature between the HMX KD200 and the HMX Cheese. The KD200 has the sharpest and clackiest bottom out of the HMX film switches, but it has a softer sounding top out. The clacky bottom out of the KD200 could be due to the LY stem which has proven itself to be a stem material for smooth and clacky switches. The soft top out could be due to the PA12 material being softer than PC as well as a lighter spring weight that would create less force on the upstroke than the relatively heavier FJ400 and Game 1989. The KD200 would be the perfect switch for users who enjoyed the clacky HMX Cheese sound profile and feel.
Here is a sound test of the HMX KD200:
HMX FJ400
Relative to the HMX x 80Retros Film switches, the HMX FJ400 falls in the mid tones among the three HMX Film switches. It still produces the same clacky HMX sound profile but the bottom out has a little less sharpness than the HMX KD200. This could be due to the T2 stem material that is known to create a deeper and softer sound signature. However, the top out sound of the HMX FJ400 is slightly poppier and harder than the HMX KD200. This could be due to the harder PC material in comparison to the PA12 as well as a heavier spring weight that would create more force on the upstroke. The HMX FJ400 would be a great option for you if you like the clacky HMX sound profile but slightly more subtle.
Here is a sound test of the HMX FJ400:
HMX Game 1989
The HMX Game 1989 leans towards the lower tones out of the three HMX x 80Retros Film switches. The HMX Game 1989 has a travel distance of 4.0mm which produces a sound profile that is closer to traditional full travel switches. The stem travel could create a more full sounding typing experience in comparison to the long pole and short travel distance sound profiles of the HMX KD200 and HMX FJ400. The HMX Game 1989 has more of a poppy bottom out sound signature rather than a sharp and clacky sound signature of the KD200. The HMX Game 1989 has a similar sound top out sound to the HMX FJ400 since they use similar materials for their stem and top housing materials. The HMX Game 1989 would be a great choice for those who enjoy the HMX sound signature but would like a more full sound from the full travel distance or a slightly lower pitched clack than the HMX KD200.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Game 1989:
Switch Feel
All three of the HMX x 80Retros switches have the same smoothness and tight stem/housing tolerances. The HMX KD200, HMX FJ400, and HMX Game 1989 feel incredibly smooth right out of the box in its factory stock form. The main differences in feel between the three switches are the spring weights and the travel distances.
HMX KD200
The HMX KD200 has an operating force of 45g and a bottom out force of 50g. It has the lightest weight of the three HMX film switches. In contrast, the KD200 has the shortest travel distance of the three HMX film switches with a total travel distance of 3.5mm. With the combination of a relatively lighter spring weight and a shorter travel distance, the HMX KD200 provides a very responsive typing experience. The HMX KD200 has the classic snappy bottom out from long pole stems. The HMX KD200 would be a great option for users looking for a faster bottom out with less force required, possibly as gaming switch as well.
HMX FJ400
The HMX FJ400 has an operating force of 50g and a bottom out force of 58g. Of the three HMX films switches, the HMX FJ400 has the heaviest spring weight. The HMX FJ400 has a total travel distance of 3.8mm, which is the median of the three HMX film switches in terms of travel distance. The HMX FJ400 would be a good fit for those looking for a long pole bottom out feel with a decent actuation weight, suitable for a comfortable work setup or a casual desk setup.
HMX Game 1989
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.
Additional Notes
The HMX x 80Retros come in a film packaging that is reminiscent of actual rolls of films from film cameras. The HMX x 80Retros sound good and feel good in your keyboard as well as outside in their artisan packaging!
The HMX KD200 is also made out of the same materials as the HMX Cheese, so for those of you who enjoyed the HMX Cheese, you should definitely check out the HMX KD200!
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