HMX x 80Retros Volume 0

Quick Summary

The HMX x 80Retros Volume 0 is a light silent linear designed, as the name suggests, to be heard as little as possible. A POM/TPE double-shot stem dampens both ends of the stroke, and the low 40g weight keeps the action soft and effortless. It is a strong budget silent option for shared offices, libraries and late-night sessions where keystroke noise matters.

Specs and Feel

The Volume 0 runs a light 40g actuation and 46g bottom-out on a 22mm single-stage spring, with 2.2mm pre-travel and 3.72mm total travel. The standout is the stem: a POM and TPE double-shot whose silicone dampening is molded in rather than glued on, giving consistent, durable silencing at both top-out and bottom-out. The PA12 top and P4 bottom housing keep what little sound escapes warm and muted. The glide is smooth, and the light spring makes the whole keystroke feel gentle. As with all silent switches, the bottom-out is softer and less defined than a standard linear. That is the trade for the quiet.

Tuning

The Volume 0 is best left stock. The one mistake to avoid is lubing the dampening pads, which can deaden the feel further. If you want to firm up the light action, a spring swap to 50g adds resistance without touching the silencing. A thin housing film is the only acoustic tweak worth considering. Otherwise, drop it in and enjoy the quiet.

Verdict

Buy the Volume 0 if you want a light, quiet linear for noise-sensitive environments at a budget price. It is lighter and softer than the HMX Taro, the other silent HMX linear in this lineup. Pick the Volume 0 for a light 40g feel, or the Taro if you want a slightly crisper bottom-out and a 45g option. Skip both if you actually want audible feedback from your keyboard.