HMX Bad Sweetheart Linear Switches

The HMX Bad Sweetheart Linear is a smooth, light linear switch suited for users who prefer a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or clicks. It fits typists and gamers seeking a low-force, fast response switch with a moderate travel distance. Its design emphasizes a soft bottom-out feel, making it comfortable for extended use but less ideal if you want tactile feedback or audible clicks.

Actuation Characteristics

• The switch actuates at a relatively light 45g force, requiring less effort to register a keypress, which can reduce finger fatigue during long sessions.
• It has a short pre-travel of 2.0mm, allowing for quicker key activation and potentially faster typing or gaming response.
• Total travel is 3.8mm, slightly shorter than the standard 4mm, contributing to a snappy feel without sacrificing key depth.
• Bottoming out requires 50g force, providing a soft landing that minimizes finger strain but may feel less crisp to users who prefer a firmer end stroke.

Feel & Sound

• As a linear switch, it offers a smooth, consistent keystroke without tactile feedback or audible clicks, suitable for users who want quiet operation.
• The spherical stem tip may reduce scratchiness, promoting a smoother glide compared to flat or cross-shaped stems.
• Sound profile is expected to be muted with a gentle thock on bottom out, though exact noise levels are unknown.

Build Quality

• The stem is made from T5 plastic, known for durability and smoothness in linear switches.
• Housing combines PA12 for the top and P4 for the bottom, materials that contribute to stable housing and consistent switch performance.
• The switch uses a 5-pin PCB mount design, ensuring secure installation on compatible boards but less suited for hot-swap sockets without adapters.

Trade-offs

• Without tactile or click feedback, it may feel less satisfying for users who prefer more pronounced keypress sensations.
• Unknown factory lubrication quality means additional lubing might be necessary to reduce any potential scratchiness or spring noise.
• Not designed for plate mount, limiting compatibility to PCB-mounted keyboards.

Use Cases

• Good for gamers and typists who want a light, smooth switch for fast, uninterrupted keypresses.
• Suitable for office environments where quiet operation is preferred.
• Less ideal for users seeking tactile or clicky feedback or those who prefer hot-swap keyboard compatibility.