HMX Retro C 45g Linear

Quick Summary

The HMX Retro C is a light linear from HMX’s vintage-themed in-house lineup, tuned primarily for sound. HMX worked fiberglass into the bottom housing to push a clacky, high-pitched, loud signature that stands out from quieter poly linears. It is a smooth, featherweight linear with a loud acoustic profile, so it is not a subtle switch.

Specs and Feel

This is a pure linear: no bump, a 45g actuation, a 50g bottom-out, 2.0mm of pre-travel and 3.5mm of total travel, so the stroke stays light and consistent end to end. The POM stem runs in a PC top housing over a PA66 bottom that’s reinforced with fiberglass, the key acoustic ingredient. That combination produces a clacky, rich, high-pitched and loud sound rather than a deep thock, with a bright top-out and a sharp bottom-out. Factory lube (thin 205g0 on the stem, dry film on the spring and leaf) keeps the travel smooth with minimal scratch, and the KOS single-stage extended spring gives a brisk, even return. Stem wobble is well controlled per HMX’s usual tolerances.

Tuning

It is ready to go stock: the factory lube is competent and the housing fit is snug. The one caveat is volume: if the clack is too much for your space, thicker keycaps, a softer plate or case foam will rein it in without touching the switch. Films aren’t necessary; a heavier spring is the only meaningful feel change.

Verdict

Buy the Retro C if you want a smooth, light linear built to be heard. The fiberglass bottom gives it a clacky voice few stock linears match. Within HMX’s own Retro linear line it’s the rich, full-bodied option; the Retro R pushes even sharper and higher-pitched, while the Retro T trades the clack for a deeper, rounder full-PA66 sound. Skip the Retro C if you want a quiet desk or a deep, muted profile.