Gateron Beer vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer and the HMX Lotus are two unique mechanical keyboard switches that offer different typing experiences. The Beer, a tactile switch, stands out for its mesmerizing translucent green appearance and lightweight feel. It features a stepped tactility that provides a subtle key press, along with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Lotus, a linear switch, offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound. With a super bouncy feeling, every keystroke on the Lotus switch is sure to be a delight. While the Beer is described as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Lotus does not have specific categorizations listed. When choosing between these two switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer and the sound profile that appeals to you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the HMX Lotus both utilize different materials for their housing components. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their own distinctive sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer is more likely to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing by creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, complementing the nylon top housing. The differences in material between the bottom housings of the two switches demonstrate how the bottom of a switch can impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by utilizing materials that cater to different sound preferences.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile of a switch. While the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, the HMX Lotus's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each component to contribute unique qualities to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound like the Beer or a duller and rounder sound like the Lotus, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience based on your sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them equally heavy in that aspect. However, the actuation force of the Beer switch is 38 grams, lighter than the Lotus switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Beer switch may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Lotus switch provides a more pronounced typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In general, the actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed for the key to be pressed all the way down. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to users who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prioritize a shorter, quicker keypress or a slightly longer, more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer switch offers a distinct clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, adding a touch of excitement to each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch lacks a specific sound description, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches are likely to produce satisfying sound profiles, especially when paired with a compatible keyboard and keycap combination.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force can make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique typing experience with a subtle tactile bump. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch offers a super bouncy feeling with a 50g bottom out weight, promising a responsive and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Beer and HMX Lotus switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table. While the Gateron Beer switch excels in providing a distinctive clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, the HMX Lotus switch offers a bouncy feeling and a bright, resonant sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Beer and HMX Lotus switches will come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between Gateron Beer tactile switches and HMX Lotus linear switches, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel with a lighter actuation force, then the Gateron Beer switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy typing experience with a medium actuation force, then the HMX Lotus switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
