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The Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC and Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (modified PA66 (with texture for MORE scratchiness) vs Nylon), bottom housing (modified PA66 vs Nylon), spring (18 mm KOS single-stage extended vs barrel-shaped stainless steel), actuation (52 g vs 55 g), bottom-out force (60 g vs 65 g), total travel (3.90 mm vs 4 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with modified PA66 (with texture for MORE scratchiness) top housing, modified PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 52g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 3.90mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Siliworks. Manufactured by HMX. | The Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a barrel-shaped stainless steel spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 65g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Cherry. |
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| Name | Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC | Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | modified PA66 (with texture for MORE scratchiness) | Nylon |
| Bottom housing | modified PA66 | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 18 mm KOS single-stage extended | barrel-shaped stainless steel |
| Actuation | 52 g | 55 g |
| Bottom-out | 60 g | 65 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.90 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Sonja HC switches are lubed using the same method as Snow Crash switches; only the leaves and springs are factory-lubed. Leaves are lubed with a thin coat of 205g0 and 105g0 mix, and springs are lubed with dry-film. The stem, bottom housing, and top housing are all dry. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Siliworks | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Cherry |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC is much more widely available, but the Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC and Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC force curve | Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange force curve |
No Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC force curve available. |
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Comments on Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC switches | Comments on Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange switches |
The HMX Sonja HC switch, or you can call them the Sonja Hardcore version, comes with customized stem and housing for a nostalgic rail bottom-out and scratchy feeling. Consider these a more OG version of the Sonja switches. If you like Sonja but want something that's even scratchier with a heavier spring, Sonja HC is your go-to choice – Unikeys. | New switch inspired by the classical Hirose orange switch. The CHERRY MX Orange is another edition to CHERRY’s line-up of community switches. The original switch had been manufactured by CHERRY’s Japanese partner Hirose, became a rare collector’s item today and has been in demand by the enthusiast community for a long time. This reissue of an old classic holds all the improvements of the MX2A generation to revive this legendary key switch in a modern approach – Cherry. |
