A strong fit if you want
- Light linear switch builds
- Users who prefer lower spring resistance
- Custom keyboards with compatible 5-pin switch support
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02 / THE ESSENTIALS
HMX Fire Phoenix Linear Switch at a Glance
37 gf
Operating force
42 gf
Bottom-out force
2 mm
Pre-travel
3.6 mm
Total travel
5-pin
Mount
Compatibility & build notes
Fire Phoenix uses a five-pin MX-style footprint. Confirm that the PCB and hot-swap socket accept the two locating pins before ordering a full set.
This switch uses a 5-pin footprint. Confirm that your PCB or hot-swap socket accepts this 5-pin mechanical-switch mount; the pin count alone does not guarantee compatibility with every hot-swap board. Choose 10 switches for sampling or replacements, 35 for partial builds, or 70 as a starting quantity for many compact boards, then count your actual switch positions and add any spares you want.
Construction
Operating force37 gf
Bottom-out force42 gf
Pre-travel2 mm
Total travel3.6 mm
Mount5-pin
Compare with similar switches
Use verified force, travel, mount and lubrication fields to see how this switch differs from nearby alternatives.
Scroll to compare
HMX Fire Phoenix Linear SwitchCurrent
View product
|
OUTEMU Silent Peach V3 Linear SwitchView product |
CHERRY MX2A 3-Pin Mechanical Keyboard SwitchesView product |
|---|---|---|
| Type Linear | Type Linear | Type Linear |
| Operating force 37 gf | Operating force 40 | Operating force 45 |
| Bottom-out force 42 gf | Bottom-out force 50 | Bottom-out force — |
| Pre-travel 2 mm | Pre-travel 2 | Pre-travel 2 |
| Total travel 3.6 mm | Total travel 3.3 | Total travel 4 |
| Mount 5-pin | Mount 5-pin | Mount 3-pin |
| Factory lube Yes | Factory lube Yes | Factory lube Partially |
Detailed specifications
Brand
HMX
Switch Type
Linear
Operating Force
37 gf
Bottom-out Force
42 gf
Pre-travel
2 mm
Total Travel
3.6 mm
Top Housing
PA12 modified nylon
Bottom Housing
P4 nylon
Factory Lubed
Yes
Mount
5-pin
Sound Profile
Deep/muted-leaning; build-dependent; not KeebPilot-tested
Typing Feel
Light linear weighting based on 37gf operating / 42gf bottom-out specs
Good to Know
Trade-offs and compatibility checks
- 37gf weighting may feel too light for users who prefer medium or heavy switches
- 5-pin and hot-swap compatibility depend on the keyboard PCB/socket design
- KeebPilot has not published an in-house sound test for this switch
LIGHT LINEAR
Low spring resistance for repeated presses
HMX Fire Phoenix uses 37gf operating force and 42gf bottom-out, placing it firmly in a light linear direction.
It is for buyers who want easy repeated inputs rather than a resistant or tactile keypress.
- Linear mechanism
- 37gf ±5gf operating force
- 42gf ±5gf bottom-out force
Best Fit: A low-resistance linear for an easy press.
FORCE & TRAVEL
Why the light stroke matters
Fire Phoenix pairs a 22mm single-stage spring with approximately 3.6mm total travel. For buyers, those numbers matter because they describe its light linear stroke; the T5 / PA12 / P4 material stack belongs in the specifications rather than being used to predict sound.
The practical choice is whether its low force and travel suit the build; final sound still depends on the keyboard around it.
- 3.6mm ±0.3mm total travel
- 22mm single-stage spring
- T5 / PA12 / P4 material stack
What it means: Force and travel are the clearer buying signals.
FIVE-PIN FIT
Confirm the footprint before the pack
Fire Phoenix uses a five-pin MX-style footprint. Confirm that the PCB and hot-swap socket accept the two locating pins before selecting a full-build quantity.
Count the keyboard’s switch positions and add spares only if you want them.
- 10 switches — sample / replacements
- 35 switches — partial builds
- 70 switches — many compact builds
Build note: Verify five-pin fit before ordering.
WHEN TO CHOOSE IT
Pick Fire Phoenix for an easy press
Choose Fire Phoenix when low spring resistance is the priority and you want a light linear press for repeated inputs.
Choose a firmer linear if you prefer more resistance under the fingers, or a tactile switch if you want a distinct bump.
- 37gf ±5gf operating force
- 3.6mm ±0.3mm total travel
- 5-pin mount — verify PCB/socket
Decision note: Choose Fire Phoenix for lightness, not firmness.
Questions about HMX Fire Phoenix Linear Switch
Is the HMX Fire Phoenix a linear switch?
Yes. The current product specification identifies Fire Phoenix as a linear mechanical keyboard switch.
What is the operating force of the HMX Fire Phoenix switch?
The stated operating force is 37gf ±5gf, with a stated bottom-out force of 42gf ±5gf.
What is the travel distance?
The published specification lists approximately 2.0mm ±0.5mm pre-travel and 3.6mm ±0.3mm total travel.
Is the Fire Phoenix factory lubed?
Yes. The Fire Phoenix launch version is factory-lubed.
Is this a 5-pin switch?
Yes. Fire Phoenix is a 5-pin switch. Check your keyboard PCB/socket before ordering.
Is HMX Fire Phoenix hot-swappable?
That depends on the keyboard. A switch being 5-pin does not by itself confirm compatibility with every hot-swap socket. Verify the PCB/socket specification before purchase.
What materials are used in the switch?
The available specification lists a T5 custom stem material, PA12 modified-nylon top housing, and P4 nylon bottom housing.
What does the Fire Phoenix switch sound like?
Third-party reviewers describe it as leaning deeper and more muted, but switch sound changes significantly with the case, plate, keycaps, mounting system and dampening. KeebPilot has not published an in-house acoustic measurement for this switch.