80Retros x HMX Game 1989 Switches
Best linear switches for enthusiasts seeking a deep, thocky typing experience.
Experience the 80Retros x HMX Game 1989 Classic switches, engineered for keyboard aficionados seeking a distinct auditory and tactile experience. These linear switches deliver a profound, thocky sound profile, enhanced by their T5 stem and P4 bottom housing. With a 4.0mm total travel, they offer a satisfying keystroke. HMX's refined manufacturing process ensures consistent quality, addressing common switch imperfections. Pre-lubed with GPL105 and GPL205 for immediate smoothness, these switches come conveniently packaged in sets of 35.
$12.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
200
/ 6541
#200 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Type
Linear
/ Linear
Who it's for
- Keyboard hobbyists seeking a deep, resonant thocky sound profile
- Typists wanting a premium, friction-free feel without manual lubing
- Retro enthusiasts building a vintage-inspired mechanical keyboard
Who should skip it
- Modders who frequently open switches or use thick keycaps
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for easily accessible, affordable components
- Users sensitive to minor acoustic imperfections like spring ping
Performance breakdown
Acoustic Profile
Delivers a deep, resonant thock that satisfies the most demanding enthusiasts.
Factory Lubrication
Expertly applied GPL105 and GPL205 ensure buttery smoothness right out of box.
Keystroke Consistency
HMX manufacturing refinements eliminate wobble and ensure uniform performance across every key.
Tactile Responsiveness
The 53g bottom-out force provides a snappy, responsive feel for rapid typing.
Build Precision
High-grade P4 housing and T5 stems offer exceptional structural integrity.
Installation Ease
Standard MX-style mounting makes these a breeze for custom keyboard builds.
Key Specs
Type
Linear
Top Housing
PC
Bottom Housing
P4
Stem
T5
Spring
22mm KOS single-stage extended
Total Travel
4.0 ± 0.2mm
Actuation Force
45 ± 2g
Bottom-out Force
53 ± 2g
Features
- Deep, thocky sound profile
- T5 stem and P4 bottom housing
- Satisfying 4.0mm total travel
- Improved HMX molds reduce issues
- Factory lubed for enhanced smoothness
- Sold in convenient packs of 35
What customers say
The 80Retros x HMX Game 1989 switches earn high praise for their exceptional value and performance. Users immediately love the unique retro colorway, making them a visual standout on custom builds. The core appeal centers on their remarkable out of box smoothness, often needing no extra modification. The sound profile is consistently described as deep, creamy, and satisfyingly thocky, delivering a premium typing experience. Factory lubrication consistency and the comfortable medium spring weight suit both gaming and long typing sessions. These linear switches are firmly established as a top tier choice, offering superb acoustic and tactile performance that rivals more expensive options.
Know before you buy
Yes, these are MX-style switches, meaning they are compatible with most hot-swappable or solderable mechanical keyboards that support standard Cherry MX-style stems.
No, these switches come pre-lubed from the factory with GPL105 and GPL205. They are ready to install and use immediately, though enthusiasts may choose to re-lube them to suit personal preferences.
These are linear switches with a 4.0mm total travel distance, providing a smooth, consistent keystroke without a tactile bump. The combination of the T5 stem and P4 bottom housing creates a distinct, deep 'thocky' sound profile.
The actuation force is 45g, which is the pressure required to register a keypress, while the 53g bottom-out force is the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. This makes them a relatively light, comfortable option for long typing sessions.
They are PCB mount switches, featuring five pins for extra stability. They can be used on plate-mount keyboards as well, provided you clip the two extra plastic legs if your board does not support them.
These switches are sold in packs of 35. You would need three packs for a full-sized 104-key keyboard, two packs for a 65% or 75% layout, and two packs for a standard 60% board.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12