HMX Snowflake Linear Switches

This linear switch is designed for users who prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke with a distinctive deep sound. It suits typists and gamers looking for a creamy feel without tactile bumps or clicks. The spherical stem tip and bottom housing contact create a unique sound profile and smooth bottom-out experience. It fits standard MX-compatible PCBs and supports 5-pin mounting.

Feel & Sound

• Linear and smooth with no tactile feedback, suitable for users who want consistent keypresses.
• The spherical tip on the stem and bottom housing contact produce a deep, creamy sound rather than a sharp click or high-pitched noise.
• Bottom-out feel is soft and cushioned, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.

Actuation Characteristics

• Actuation force around 45g offers a moderate resistance, balancing speed and accuracy.
• Pre-travel of approximately 2mm allows for responsive key activation without feeling overly sensitive.
• Total travel near 3.6mm provides a standard keypress depth common in many mechanical keyboards.

Build Quality

• Top housing made from PA12 nylon, which is durable and helps with sound dampening.
• Bottom housing uses P4 plastic with a ball-bottom design, contributing to smooth keystrokes and unique sound.
• Stem features a spherical tip, reducing scratchiness by minimizing friction during keypress.
• Spring is a single-stage KOS type, offering consistent force throughout the press.
• Factory lubed, which improves smoothness and reduces initial scratchiness common in unlubed switches.

Compatibility

• 5-pin PCB mount design ensures stable installation on compatible PCBs.
• Supports MX-style LEDs with a diffuser that highlights the snowflake theme visually.
• Unknown if compatible with hot-swap sockets, likely requires soldering.

Trade-offs

• The deep sound profile may be less suitable for quiet office environments.
• Linear design lacks tactile feedback, which some typists prefer for accuracy.
• Unknown long-term durability and resistance to spring fatigue.
• Limited information on modding potential beyond factory lubrication.