Gateron CM vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Gateron CM switches stand out with their unique full nylon housing, offering a rich, deep sound profile that makes each keystroke not just felt but heard. The smoothness enabled by an impeccable factory lube job, along with a lengthened, dual-staged spring, provides an exceptionally bouncy and buttery typing sensation that is simply captivating. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches, known for their medium weight of 50g and bright, resonant sound, deliver a joyful and bouncy feel that can make typing feel like an indulgence. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the CM leaning towards a thocky and polished auditory experience, while the Lotus emphasizes a more lively and bright tone. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the Gateron CM and HMX Lotus switches are identical, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This uniformity in construction contributes to a consistent auditory experience when typing. Specifically, nylon, being a softer plastic, helps create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is particularly pronounced in both switches, allowing for a similarly muted and rounded acoustic output, which many users find pleasant and less distracting than the crisp sounds produced by harder plastics. As a result, users can expect an analogous auditory performance when using either the Gateron CM or HMX Lotus switches.
In addition to their sound profiles, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings in the Gateron CM and HMX Lotus reinforces the tactile feedback experienced during typing. Since both housings contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the nylon's inherent properties will ensure that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches meld together cohesively. Each switch, when pressed, will present a tactile consistency, with the bottom housing imparting the bottom-out sound while the top housing influences the acoustic experience during key release. This feature can be particularly appealing for users who value both tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory response.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials between the Gateron CM and HMX Lotus form a shared foundation for user experience. With both switches employing nylon in their construction, users can anticipate a comparable performance in terms of both sound and feel. The deeper sound profiles and tactile feedback resulting from the nylon casing will provide a cohesive experience for typists, making either choice appealing for those seeking consistency and quality in their keyboard switches. In a competitive market, these common characteristics can help simplify the decision-making process for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, notable differences arise that can significantly influence user experience. The Gateron CM requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, rendering it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the HMX Lotus offers a much lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may prefer the Lotus, which allows for less fatigue over time. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial feel and tactile feedback in their typing experience might lean towards the heavier Gateron CM. Overall, while the CM provides a stronger push, the Lotus caters to those seeking a more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, there is a slight difference that can influence user preference. The Gateron CM features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation times, the Lotus could be the better choice due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel and depth in your keystrokes, the Gateron CM would be more suitable with its longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the travel distance spectrum, making them appropriate options for gamers seeking quicker reactions, but the Gateron CM provides a bit more tactile presence for those who prefer a deeper press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 CM linear switch stands out with its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, resulting in a deeper and richer audio appearance during key presses. Each keystroke produces a satisfying and resonant thud, which many users find pleasing, making it perfect for those who appreciate an acoustic signature that complements their typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific sound profile detailed for the HMX Lotus linear switch, which leaves its auditory qualities unknown. Sound perception can also vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material, so the experience will ultimately depend on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the CM switch excels with descriptors such as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, indicating a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience. Users can expect an effortless gliding sensation as fingers transition across the keys, thanks to the factory lubrication and materials used in the construction. In stark contrast, the feel of the Lotus switches is not defined in the available information, leaving some uncertainty about how they compare in tactile experience. Nevertheless, the CM's smoothness offers a high baseline for typing comfort.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CM linear switch provides a rich sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel characterized by various enticing descriptors, the HMX Lotus linear switch lacks specific details in both sound and feel. However, users can expect a super bouncy typing experience from the Lotus, similar to the CM, albeit without the aforementioned acoustic richness. Overall, if you're leaning towards a switch that promises deep sound and an exquisite typing journey, the Gateron CM is the clear choice, while the HMX Lotus maintains potential that would require personal experience to evaluate fully.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron CM linear switches and HMX Lotus linear switches primarily hinges on your preferred typing experience and sound profile. If you're someone who enjoys a heavier, more tactile keystroke with a richer, deeper sound, the Gateron CM switches would be an excellent choice. Their robust design and dual-staged spring provide a bouncy, buttery feel, making every keypress satisfying, especially if you appreciate the thocky and low-pitched auditory feedback they offer. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch for fast-paced typing or gaming, the HMX Lotus switches might be more suited to your needs. With their 50g bottom-out force and bright, resonant sound, these switches deliver a super bouncy feel that enhances your typing speed without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific preferences for sound and tactile feedback; the Gateron CM for a weighty, satisfying experience and the HMX Lotus for a quicker, lighter touch.
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