Snowfall Tactile Switches

It's me, back again after a long haitus from the Durian (or Avocado as a more interesting name).

I'm going to try and stop naming my switches S1 and S2 etc. Seemed like a really good idea but probably not. This is probably considered S5.

Basis

The idea this time was to recreate or make better, the S2 (Snow) mechanical switch but at a more accessible price point while providing some interesting updates to the internals of the switch.

We first approached BSUN to have the project taken up in June last year. However, with HMX confirming that their molds are ready to go, I've decided to go ahead and make these switches starting Dec 2025.

Material Choices and boring stuff

I previously collaborated with Tecsee to create the S2 switches and although the response was great, a main takeaway was that the HPE top housing was considered too soft and deformed/broke when yanked upon. On top of that, we were charged high costs of production and it didn't make sense to continue this project.

I also wanted to retain the following feature that we newly brought to the market back then
(I think but I can definitely be wrong, don't stone me)

Travel Distance: 3mm
(This drew alot of flak when released 16th October, 2022 when 4mm was the norm)

I've been eyeing these HMX tactiles for longer than a year and every now and then, coming back to see if it's a feasible time to start work on HMX tactiles.

Previously, they have been ticking at every single keystroke which was why we shelved the idea for a really long time

Through this update, I've made the following changes and material choices:

Proposed:

Top Housing: PC with 🤩Sparkles🤩 - and more backlight because we all want RGB
Stem: Long pole with 3mm travel
Bottom Housing: Modified Nylon
Spring: 22mm 50g Single Staged - Balanced length + Spring weight
Pre-travel: 2mm
Total Travel: 3mm
Factory Lubrication: HMX Factory Standard
Designer: TR

Targetted price:
Dependent on vendor

Current Status, talk so much, where soundtest?:

Quite happy with the prototypes received. However, we're looking to push it slightly further by experimenting with new spring weights and bottom housings (POM).

Update: The original combination is best

Proposed Vendor List(not confirmed):

Typist Club - CN
Geonworks - South Korea
ktechs - Singapore/SEA
Mecha MY - Malaysia
Divinikeys - North America
Milktooth - North America
Unikeys - Canada
Toro Studio - Oceania
Prototypist - UK
Neomacro - India

If you're an interested vendor, please feel free to reach out to me!
Vendors will be updated accordingly.

Naming

This naming scheme and colour is heavily inspired by the Shima Enaga as well as wanting to maintain a similar-ish naming scheme as the Snow switches.

Credits: borbs.com