Everglide Crystal Violet vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal Violet stands out for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience ideal for those who enjoy a gentle and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the Lotus switch from HMX offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, creating a super bouncy feeling that makes every keystroke a delight. While the Crystal Violet offers a creamy and low-pitched sound profile, the Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the HMX Lotus both use ABS for the top housing, although the Lotus utilizes nylon for the bottom housing. ABS provides a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing, while nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique sound experience that is influenced by the type of plastic used in their construction.
While the Crystal Violet and HMX Lotus share the use of ABS for the top housing, they differ when it comes to the bottom housing material. The Crystal Violet features an ABS bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch by offering a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. On the other hand, the Lotus utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how different plastics can affect the overall sound experience of a switch.
The division of housing materials in switches like the Crystal Violet and HMX Lotus showcases how the qualities of each material impact the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, both the Crystal Violet and the HMX Lotus offer unique typing experiences that are influenced by the specific characteristics of the plastics used in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier bottom out force at 55 grams compared to the Lotus at 50 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when it comes to initiating a keystroke. The Crystal Violet falls into the medium-light category in terms of force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus is considered light in force, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a slightly more responsive and quicker typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal Violet. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press experience. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and mellow sound profile, providing a soothing typing experience that is not overly distracting. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not specified, so we cannot directly compare it in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crystal Violet is described as having a creamy and mild tactile typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes that gently glide under your fingertips. Additionally, the stepped tactile feedback of the Crystal Violet adds a layer of sophistication to each keystroke. On the contrary, the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided, so we cannot make a direct comparison in this regard.
Taking all the available information into consideration, if sound is a key factor for you, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch may be more suitable with its low-pitched and mellow sound profile compared to the unknown sound profile of the HMX Lotus switch. In terms of feel, if you prefer a creamy and mild typing experience with stepped tactile feedback, the Crystal Violet switch seems to be the better option based on the information provided. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and while the specifics of the HMX Lotus switch are not fully detailed, you may expect similar results in sound and feel based on the information provided for the Crystal Violet switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light 55g bottom out force, then the Crystal Violet switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light 50g bottom out force with a super bouncy feeling and bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch from HMX would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider factors such as sound profile, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision to ensure that you have the best typing experience tailored to your liking.
Mentioned in this article
