Huano Elf vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the HMX Lotus both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf switches are designed with a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature along with a medium-light feel, making for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Lotus switches from HMX provide a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, producing a bright, resonant sound that contributes to their super bouncy feel. This creates a delightful experience for typists and gamers alike. Both switches are categorized as linear options, which means they excel in smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or clicks; however, their distinctive sound profiles and actuation feels set them apart. Whether you’re drawn to the deeper acoustics of the Elf or the lively feedback of the Lotus, selecting the right switch can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX Lotus present an interesting comparison in terms of their composition and the acoustic characteristics they contribute to keyboard switches. The Huano Elf utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which is noted for its low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This results in a smoother keypress experience compared to the HMX Lotus's nylon top housing, which while also prominent, offers a slightly higher friction rate and a different tactile feedback. The POK material provides a high level of durability, being 14 times stronger than POM and exhibiting superior shock resistance. Conversely, the nylon used in the Lotus’s housing contributes to a more muted and rounded sound profile due to its softer nature, which tends to absorb more sound rather than amplify it.
When analyzing the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and HMX Lotus utilize nylon, ensuring that they share a common foundation in sound absorption characteristics. This use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, reinforcing the idea that the bottom housing has a significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress. While the types of materials for the top housings differ, the shared usage of nylon in the bottom enables both switches to deliver an analogous auditory experience. The sound characteristics of the bottom housing are particularly important when engaged, providing a consistent feel and audio response that users appreciate in both switches.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Huano Elf and HMX Lotus are divergent — with the Elf focusing on the durability and smoothness of POK and the Lotus prioritizing the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon — their bottom housings align perfectly in material choice. This uniformity in the bottom housing allows both switches to manifest similar acoustic properties, emphasizing a fuller sound profile during use. Therefore, despite the variations in performance dynamics attributable to the different top materials, the overall user experience regarding sound and tactile feedback retains a degree of similarity in both switches due to the common use of nylon in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the HMX Lotus linear switch, we observe differences in their actuation forces, as well as a definitive bottom out force for the Lotus. The Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which is beneficial for long gaming sessions or extended work periods. In contrast, the Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a well-defined bottom out force of 50 grams, adding a more substantial push feel that some typists might appreciate for its tactile response. While the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, its lack of a defined force suggests it could potentially offer a more lenient ending with less tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more robust typing experience may gravitate toward the heavier HMX Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Elf switch provides a bit more depth in each keystroke, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can enhance speed and efficiency in key presses. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively shallow travel compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Elf's 3.6 mm distance makes it the longer option, and the Lotus' 3.5 mm distance makes it the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf switch delivers a deep sound signature, which is quite appealing to those who gravitate toward a more substantial auditory feedback as they type. This is achieved through its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and provides a rich sound experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch offers a bright, resonant sound that tends to cut through the acoustics more sharply, creating a lively auditory environment. Both switches can produce satisfying sound experiences, although they cater to different auditory preferences. It’s essential to keep in mind that the final sound profile will also depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light actuation force, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that doesn’t require excessive effort. This makes it suitable for long typing sessions, as it balances ease of use with sufficient feedback. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch features a medium weight of around 50g at bottom out, designed for a bouncier feel that can bring a sense of dynamism to each keystroke. This more substantial feedback may appeal to those who prefer a firmer tactile sensation. While the Elf prioritizes a light and satisfying routine, the Lotus focuses on an engaging bounce, allowing users to select based on their typing style and preferences.
Ultimately, both the Huano Elf and HMX Lotus linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Elf excels with its deep sound and medium-light feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a richer audio experience without straining their fingers. In contrast, the Lotus stands out with its bright, resonant sound and medium weight, providing a unique bounce that enhances the satisfaction of each keystroke. Depending on your priorities—whether they be sound, feel, or a combination of both—you can choose one switch over the other or even experiment with switching out components to achieve your ideal typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light feel combined with acoustic engineering that enhances sound quality, the Elf is an excellent choice. Its unique POK top housing delivers a deep sound signature that adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to your typing experience. This switch caters to those who appreciate a satisfying yet gentle keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile response with a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Lotus switches could be more suitable for you. They offer a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feel that creates a lively interaction with each keystroke, making it ideal for fast typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your selection should hinge on whether you prioritize sound quality and a softer feel with the Elf, or a lively, bouncy typing experience with the Lotus.
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