Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green, with its tactile feedback, is celebrated for its clacky sound signature and sparkling feel, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate pronounced key responses and a more engaging typing experience. This switch is designed for typists who thrive on a sound profile that is not only sharp and resonant but also enhances their connection with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) presents a different allure through its linear design and medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g. With its bright, resonant sound and bouncy feel, this switch caters to individuals who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keypress, ideal for gaming or rapid typing sessions. Both switches have their unique strengths, with the Bamboo Green offering a vibrant tactile quality and the Lotus (Heavy) focusing on fluidity and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), it is important to note that both switches use different types of materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Bamboo Green features a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top and bottom housing, which is known for providing a neutral sound experience. A PBT switch has a balanced auditory character; it is not overly crisp nor dull, resulting in a consistent feedback sound that maintains clarity without distractions. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively, producing a rounder and less sharp auditory experience that is quintessentially reminiscent of traditional switch materials.
While the Bamboo Green's PBT allows for a generic yet neutral tactile feedback, the Lotus (Heavy)'s nylon provides a more grounded and enveloping typing sensation. The distinct characteristics of PBT in the Bamboo Green help users experience a consistent response when typing, showcasing each keystroke through a balanced sound profile. Conversely, the nylon in the Lotus (Heavy) enhances the overall typing experience by creating a cushioned atmosphere that can make typing feel softer and more forgiving. This variance in the materials between the two switches helps users determine their preference based on sound and feel, with Bamboo Green favoring consistency and clarity, while Lotus offers warmth and depth.
However, if the top and bottom housings differ in a given switch, as is the case with the Bamboo Green’s PBT and the Lotus (Heavy)’s nylon, the overall typing experience will reflect a mix of their unique qualities. For example, in the Lotus (Heavy), while the nylon will influence the bottom-out sound with its softer characteristics, the top housing's nylon will still contribute to a rounded and elevated sound when releasing a key. Similarly, typing on the Bamboo Green will emphasize a steadier auditory feedback due to the balanced properties of PBT, but both materials will ensure that users enjoy a distinct response based on the interaction with each switch element. Ultimately, the contrast and comparison of these housing materials underline a spectrum of tactile experiences that varies significantly based on preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction in actuation force emerges. The Bamboo Green switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Lotus (Heavy) requires 55 grams to actuate. This difference suggests that typists who value a lighter touch may prefer the Bamboo Green, as it allows for easier and less fatiguing typing, making it suitable for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a substantially firmer actuation, appealing to those who seek a more robust typing experience. Both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces, with the Bamboo Green at 62 grams and the Lotus (Heavy) at 62.5 grams, which indicates that both switch designs provide comparable resistance when pressed all the way down. Overall, users who favor a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Bamboo Green for its low actuation force, while those appreciating a heavier feel could opt for the Lotus (Heavy).
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Bamboo Green, with its traditional 4 mm travel, can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users appreciate for its depth and the sense of completion with each keystroke. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker, more responsive actions, which is often preferred by gamers seeking rapid input response. As a result, users looking for a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those desiring swifter performance might choose the Lotus. Thus, the Bamboo Green is the longer option, and the Lotus is the shorter, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 profiles of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Bamboo Green is characterized by a distinct clacky sound and a high-pitched, resonant sound signature that produces a sharp, crisp auditory experience. This level of brightness makes it appealing for users who prefer a cleaner and more engaging sound while typing. In contrast, while specific sound qualities for the Lotus switches are not detailed, it is described as having a bright, resonant sound, hinting at a similarly pleasant auditory experience. However, the sound qualities of the Lotus may be somewhat different from the sharper tones of the Bamboo Green, and both sound profiles will ultimately be influenced by factors like board material and keycap choice.
The feel of the Bamboo Green tactile switches is marked by various characteristics, including a stepped tactile sensation that allows for two stages of feedback during key presses, giving a pronounced but manageable tactile bump. The switch also feels accented, providing a medium level of tactility that’s neither overwhelming nor too subtle. This, combined with a sharp and polished texture, means users will experience a smooth typing journey marked by high feedback intensity. Conversely, the feel of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches remains obscure, as there are no specific descriptors available. Nonetheless, the Lotus switches are noted to provide a super bouncy feeling, which implies a unique typing experience distinct from the tightly defined tactile feedback of the Bamboo Green.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches offer engaging auditory experiences, though the Bamboo Green provides a sharper, more defined sound profile. The tactile feedback of the Bamboo Green is well-defined and multifaceted, while the specific characteristics of the Lotus switches remain unspecified but suggest a distinctly bouncy feel. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on whether you prefer the tactile and auditory nuances of a tactile switch or the potential smoothness of a linear switch, keeping in mind that sound and feel may vary significantly based on the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel during your typing experience. If you appreciate a more tactile feedback when typing—that sharp and crisp bump that the Bamboo Green provides—then this switch is an excellent option for you. Its medium-bottom out force of 62 grams makes it approachable for a variety of users, while its high-pitched, clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory dimension to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear typing experience with a slight extra weight and a bouncy feeling, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) might be the better choice. With its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams and bright sound, it delivers a delightful sense of responsiveness with each press, perfect for fast typists or gamers who enjoy that fluid motion without the tactile interruption. Therefore, consider your typing habits and sound preferences carefully; both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different styles, ensuring an enjoyable experience whether you're typing or gaming.
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