HMX Sonja vs HMX Snow Crash – Rail Bottom-Out Linears: Textured “Scratch” vs Clean & Deep

HMX Sonja and HMX Snow Crash are two popular modern linear switches that both focus on tight tolerances and a “premium” feel. On paper they look similar (PA66 housing, POM stem, 22mm long spring), but in practice they aim for different experiences: Sonja is intentionally more textured/scratchy due to the top housing, while Snow Crash is known for a clean, stable rail bottom-out feel with a calmer bottom-out character.

1. Construction & Materials

• HMX Sonja – Rail bottom-out linear with an intentionally textured top housing that adds a recognizable “scratch” sensation. Typically factory-lubed, which can vary by batch/vendor.
• HMX Snow Crash – Rail bottom-out linear with a traditional PA66 housing and POM stem. Often described as “clean” and controlled, with low wobble and consistent keyfeel.

2. Technical Specifications

HMX Sonja

• Type: Linear (rail bottom-out)
• Actuation: ~45g (may vary by batch)
• Bottom-out: ~52g (may vary by batch)
• Pre-travel: ~2.0 mm
• Total travel: ~3.9 mm
• Materials: PA66 top & bottom, POM stem
• Spring: ~22mm long (often listed as KOS-style)
• Character: intentionally textured/scratchy top-housing feel

HMX Snow Crash

• Type: Linear (rail bottom-out)
• Actuation: ~50g (often listed ±2g)
• Bottom-out: ~58g (often listed ±2g)
• Pre-travel: ~2.0 mm
• Total travel: ~4.0 mm
• Materials: PA66 top & bottom, POM stem
• Spring: ~22mm long (often listed as KOS-style)
• Character: clean travel, stable feel, calmer bottom-out

3. Performance & Feel

HMX Sonja – Textured linear with personality

Sonja stands out for its intentional texture. That “scratch” is less about bad molding and more about a deliberate design choice that gives the switch extra character. If you enjoy a linear that doesn’t feel “sterile smooth,” Sonja can be surprisingly satisfying, especially for longer typing sessions.

HMX Snow Crash – Clean, stable, and calmer bottom-out

Snow Crash is the “clean” option: slightly heavier, full travel, and often described as more controlled at bottom-out. It tends to feel tight and stable with low wobble, making it a strong pick if you want a consistent, controlled linear.

4. What does the community say?

About Sonja

“The textured top is a feature: it adds feel without feeling cheap.”

“Not the smoothest linear, but one of the most interesting.”

About Snow Crash

“Very clean and tight, with a calmer bottom-out than expected.”

“Low wobble and consistent. Great daily-driver linear.”

5. Pros & Cons

HMX Sonja

Pros:

• Unique textured feel: adds character to a linear switch
• Lighter weight: comfortable for long sessions
• Modern tolerances with a rail bottom-out concept

Cons:

• Not for everyone: “ultra-smooth” fans may find it too textured
• Specs/feel can vary a bit by batch and listing

HMX Snow Crash

Pros:

• Clean, controlled linear with rail bottom-out
• Full travel and slightly heavier: stable, grounded feel
• Often praised for tight tolerances and low wobble

Cons:

• Heavier than Sonja: less “light and airy”
• If you want maximum clack, it may feel a bit too calm

6. Comparison Table

Switch	Weight	Travel	Sound	Feel	Ideal for
HMX Sonja	~45g / ~52g	~3.9mm	Neutral to controlled (board-dependent)	Textured/scratchy “by design,” light and lively	Typists who want character in a linear
HMX Snow Crash	~50g / ~58g	~4.0mm	Calmer bottom-out, clean profile	Tight, stable, clean travel	Daily-driver linear: consistent and controlled

7. Which one should you choose?

• Choose HMX Sonja if you want a light linear with extra “feel” and you’re curious about the intentionally textured sensation.
• Choose HMX Snow Crash if you want a clean, stable linear with full travel and a calmer, controlled bottom-out.

Conclusion

HMX Sonja and HMX Snow Crash are both modern rail bottom-out linears, but with different goals. Sonja leans into personality (textured feel), while Snow Crash focuses on clean control (stable, calmer bottom-out). If you want something that feels distinct from the average ultra-smooth linear, go Sonja. If you want a tight, consistent workhorse with slightly more weight and full travel, Snow Crash is the safer pick.