Huano Elf vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to specific preferences in feel and sound. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to deliver a rich, deep sound signature alongside a medium-light actuation force, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) presents a more robust option with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feel, making each keystroke a joy for those who prefer a more tactile response. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, whether you are drawn to the Elf's lighter touch or the Lotus's more substantial feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When evaluating the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches, a marked contrast can be observed in the choice of top housing materials. The Elf utilizes polyketone (POK), which is recognized for its superior durability and smoothness, demonstrated by its low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This makes it one of the smoothest materials available, providing a notably clacky and robust feel during typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, a classic material that is relatively softer than POK. While nylon contributes to a deeper sound profile and tends to absorb sound better, its friction coefficient of 0.03 also results in a smoother typing experience, albeit not as pronounced as that offered by the Elf’s POK.
Both switches, however, share a common characteristic in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon in both the Elf and the Lotus (Heavy). This similarity results in a deeper and rounder sound profile when typing due to nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities. Since the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, the differences primarily derived from the top housing make the interactions somewhat complementary in nature. The nylon bottom housing's ability to create a fuller sound balances with the unique characteristics of each top housing material, leading to distinct overall typing experiences while retaining a similar resonance of sound.
Ultimately, the combination of materials results in distinct typing experiences even with the commonality in bottom housings. The Huano Elf's POK top contributes to a robust and engagingly clacky feedback, whereas the HMX Lotus (Heavy)’s nylon top offers smoother and subtly varied feedback. These disparities highlight how the choice of top housing material influences the sound signature and tactile feedback of each switch. Thus, the distinctive feel and auditory feedback from these switches arise from the interplay of their differing top and similar bottom housing materials, illustrating how nuanced material choices can significantly affect the user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long periods of use, whether at work or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) demands a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may favor for enhanced tactile feedback. While the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, the Lotus guarantees a defined bottom out sensation with its measurement of 62.5 grams. Overall, the Huano Elf is the lighter option, appealing to those seeking comfort over extended use, whereas the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a robust typing experience suited for users who appreciate a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more depth and a potentially more cushioned feel during keystrokes, the Elf may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Lotus (Heavy) is only marginally shorter, so you might still enjoy a speedy experience with either switch. Overall, while the difference in distance is minimal, those who prefer a deeper feel might lean towards the Huano Elf due to its longer travel distance.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 is known for its deep sound signature, attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a nuanced aural profile. This makes for a richer auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright, resonant sound, which can provide an engaging auditory feedback on each keystroke. While both switches have distinctive sound qualities, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference—whether one favors the deeper tones of the Elf or the brighter pitches of the Lotus. It is important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience that balances ease of use with feedback. This characteristic can make it suitable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, giving it a notably bouncy feel that enhances tactile feedback and engagement with each keystroke. This heightened weight may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keypress, adding an element of satisfaction to every tap. Ultimately, both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Elf being more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and the Lotus indulging users seeking a more robust engagement.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present distinguishing features in terms of acoustics and tactile feedback. The Elf switch impresses with its deep sound and medium-light feel, catering to those looking for an enjoyable yet lighter touch experience. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) stands out with its bright sound and bouncy, medium-heavy feel, enriching the typing experience for users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a warmer auditory experience with a lighter touch or a more pronounced sound and robust tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you desire. If you lean towards a lighter, more responsive typing experience with an emphasis on enhanced acoustics, the Elf switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light feel and deep sound signature create a satisfying sensation, making it ideal for those who favor a more effortless keystroke, particularly in long typing sessions or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile experience with a higher actuation force, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is likely to resonate more with you. With a heavier bottoming out force of 62.5 grams and its bright, resonant sound, this switch delivers a super bouncy feeling that many users find enjoyable, especially when speed and responsiveness are paramount. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing style and aesthetic preferences; whether you value a lighter, acoustically rich feel or a more robust and resonant keystroke, both switches offer unique benefits that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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