Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to compare are the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Lotus, both linear switches. The Coral switch is praised for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a balanced mix of sophistication and stellar performance. On the other hand, the Lotus switch from HMX boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. Choosing the Coral switch may appeal to those who prefer a silky feel, while the Lotus switch may attract individuals who enjoy a bouncier experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Lotus both utilize nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Coral differs in that it uses a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, which shares similar characteristics with its nylon bottom housing in terms of sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Coral and Lotus also differ. The Coral's polycarbonate top housing, with its translucency, is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This allows for a visually appealing experience when combined with lighting effects, enhancing the overall look of the switch. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lotus may not offer the same visual appeal as the polycarbonate top housing of the Coral. However, both switches still provide a unique look and feel based on their respective housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch. While the Coral and Lotus share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, the inclusion of polycarbonate in the Coral's top housing sets it apart with a sharper and crisper sound profile. Understanding the characteristics of different housing materials can help enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus requires a slightly heavier touch than the Coral. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Lotus is 50 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Coral is unknown. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Lotus provides a slightly firmer feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Coral for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the more substantial typing experience offered by the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Coral has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a deeper key press may find the Coral more to their liking, while those who prefer a quicker, more abrupt feel may lean towards the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Coral linear switch is known for its low-pitched resonance, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch has a bright and resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Coral delivering a lower, more mellow tone and the Lotus providing a brighter and more resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Meanwhile, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a bouncy feeling with each keystroke. While the Coral focuses on smoothness and minimizing resistance, the Lotus offers a satisfying tactile feedback with its medium weight.
Overall, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch provide different yet equally delightful typing experiences. The Coral excels in delivering a smooth and silky feel with a lower-pitched sound, while the Lotus offers a bouncy feel with a bright and resonant sound. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches will provide a high-quality typing experience, but the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a lower bottom out force and a crisp, nuanced typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, then the Coral switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound that provides a super bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switch may be more suited to your taste. Consider how important the sound and feel of the switch are to your typing experience, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so it's all about finding the one that fits your needs and typing style best.