Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer distinctly different experiences tailored to individual preferences. The Aliaz is renowned for its silent design, making it an ideal choice for quiet environments like offices, where distraction-free typing is paramount. With a medium-heavy weight, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without the jarring noise typically associated with mechanical switches. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a lively, resonant sound that appeals to those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback with every keystroke. Also featuring a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, this linear switch delivers a super bouncy feel, ensuring a joyful typing experience, particularly for gamers or those who type with a lighter touch. Ultimately, each switch has its unique charm—whether you prioritize a muted yet tactile feel or a bright, buoyant experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches employ distinctly different materials for their housings, significantly impacting their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its stiffer properties. This material selection results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetics, particularly for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing.
In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) incorporates nylon for its top and bottom housings, a classic choice that yields a notably different sound experience. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, which leads to a deeper and fuller overall acoustic profile. This material is better suited for users who appreciate a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback from their switches. The tactile sensation while typing on nylon switches differs significantly, as they deliver an experience that feels less sharp and more cushioned compared to the stiffer polycarbonate counterparts.
When it comes to how these switches perform upon actuation, the differences between material compositions become even more pronounced. With the Aliaz, the clear and resonant sound stemming from its polycarbonate construction influences both the actuation feel and the bottom-out sound, emphasizing a crisp auditory feedback. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) delivers a sound profile characterized by its muffled, round qualities due to its nylon housing, affecting the tactile feedback differently as well. The combination of materials influences how sounds are perceived upon pressing a key versus releasing it, ultimately resulting in two distinct typing experiences. Thus, while both switches may cater to specific user preferences, their contrasting housing materials define their unique auditory and tactile characteristics in notable ways.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch exhibit different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions and gaming. The Aliaz's heavier forces indicate that it requires more effort to actuate and bottom out, while the HMX Lotus offers a lighter feel, making it a better option for prolonged use without fatigue. Overall, if a user desires a greater pushback, the Aliaz would be the recommended choice, while the Lotus would suit those who prefer a gentler typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Aliaz offers a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the distinct user experiences each switch provides. The Aliaz, with its more traditional 4 mm depth, is likely to appeal to those who prefer a more tactile and deeper feedback when pressing a key, while the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those seeking a quicker response, often favored by gamers. Ultimately, the preference for one over the other will depend on whether the user values the substantial feel of the longer travel switch or the rapid response time associated with the shorter travel switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When comparing the sound profile of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Aliaz is noted for its muted sound quality, making it particularly suitable for quiet environments such as offices. This soft acoustics minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, providing an unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy), while not specifically characterized in terms of sound within the provided information, is likely to produce a brighter and more resonant sound due to its design, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. However, the actual sound output will also greatly depend on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials, meaning that while the Aliaz prioritizes sound dampening, the Lotus (Heavy) could potentially offer a more lively acoustic experience.
In terms of typing feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches shine with their silky and polished characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The medium-heavy actuation gives users a satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for a plush feel with reduced friction during key presses. Conversely, there is no specific description provided for the feel of the Lotus (Heavy), but with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, one could expect a satisfying resistance similar to that of the Aliaz due to their comparable weight. However, without specific touch characteristics described for the Lotus, assuming a direct comparison in feel would be speculative.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz excels in creating a muted, refined typing experience that favors quietness and a polished key feel, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a bouncier, brighter sound profile that may appeal to those looking for more auditory feedback with every keystroke. While both switches feature a medium-heavy actuation weight that provides a substantial typing experience, the distinct auditory and tactile sensations they produce can cater to different user requirements depending on the typing environment and personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you often find yourself in a quiet office setting or shared spaces where noise can be a concern, the Aliaz is a fantastic choice due to its muted sound profile and smooth, polished feel; it provides a satisfying tactile experience without being disruptive. Its heavier actuation force of 75 grams caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, giving your typing a sense of weight and control. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lively typing experience with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is likely more suited to your style. Its lighter 62.5-gram bottom-out force and bright, resonant sound make every keystroke feel bouncy and delightful, perfect for users who prefer a more engaging typing rhythm. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard and the tactile sensations that appeal to you personally.
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