Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Lotus both offer distinctive traits that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, recognized for its smooth keystroke and appealing travel distance, is perfect for those who favor a lighter touch while typing, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX Lotus provides a medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, resonant sound that creates an engaging tactile experience, appealing to users who enjoy a bit more feedback and a bouncy feel with each keystroke. While both switches fall into the linear category, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the lighter, smoother typing experience of the Glory Red or the more substantial, acoustically pleasing sensation of the Lotus. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Lotus are characterized by their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is regarded as a classic switch housing material that inherently influences the acoustic and tactile experience of the switches. Typing on switches made with nylon typically produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's relative softness, which allows it to absorb sound effectively. As a result, both the Glory Red and Lotus switches benefit from these properties, leading to a similar auditory experience that is typically rounder and less sharp than that produced by harder plastics.
In terms of performance, since both switches share the same nylon material for their housings, users can expect comparable results regarding sound and feel when typing. The sound produced while pressing down on either switch will reflect the qualities of the nylon, contributing to a consistent auditory feedback that many typists find pleasing. This similarity in material means that when users transition from one switch to the other, they are likely to experience little to no noticeable difference in sound profile, making both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Lotus viable options for those seeking a smooth, quiet typing experience.
However, while both switches utilize the same nylon housing material, the experience can still differ depending on other factors such as the internal components and the design of each switch. The weight and feel of the switch actuation, along with the precise tuning of the springs and stems, could influence how each switch feels during use, despite the housing materials being identical. Thus, while users can expect similar sound characteristics from both the Glory Red and the Lotus, the overall tactile feel may vary, providing distinct experiences through the synergy of housing material and internal design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly; while the actuation force for the Glory Red is specified, its bottom out force remains unknown, rendering a full comparison impossible. In contrast, the HMX Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly stronger push to bottom out. As a result, the Gateron Glory Red can be characterized as the lighter option due to having a potentially lower bottom out force, while the HMX Lotus, being heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Overall, if you appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Glory Red is more suitable, whereas the HMX Lotus caters to those who favor a firmer key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the Gateron Glory Red boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Glory Red the longer option by a marginal 0.1 mm. For gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the Lotus's shorter travel distance may be more appealing due to its potential for faster actuation. However, if you prefer a deeper keystroke that offers a more substantial feel when typing, the Glory Red may be the better choice, providing a more pronounced travel experience despite the small difference in distance. Ultimately, your preference for responsiveness versus depth will guide your decision between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red 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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by a smooth and quiet keystroke, which makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer minimal auditory distraction while typing or gaming. The HMX Lotus switch, however, features a bright, resonant sound that adds a layer of auditory satisfaction with each press. This distinction means that while both switches are linear and relatively quiet compared to tactile or clicky switches, the Lotus offers a more pronounced acoustic feedback that can enhance the overall experience, especially in quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switches provide a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, resulting in an enjoyable typing experience that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its medium weight bottoming out at 50g and its super bouncy sensation, delivering a lively feedback that can make each keystroke feel more engaging. This difference means that while both switches offer a linear feel, the Glory Red will appeal more to those who favor a straightforward and effortless typing experience, while the Lotus caters to users looking for a bit more responsiveness and bounce in their keystrokes.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Lotus linear switches present unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. The Glory Red is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Lotus offers a more pronounced sound and a lively feel that might be preferred by users looking for a bit more excitement in their typing. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a satisfying linear switch experience, with the differences purely based on personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch will primarily depend on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you favor a smooth keystroke with a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red switch is an excellent option for you. It’s designed to offer an enjoyable typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or if you prefer a more effortless keypress. Conversely, if you appreciate a bouncier response and a bit more feedback during your keystrokes, the HMX Lotus with its 50-gram bottom-out force might be the better fit. It's ideal for those who seek a medium weight that provides a satisfying resistance while still feeling pleasant to type on. Additionally, if sound plays a crucial role in your typing experience, the Lotus produces a bright, resonant sound that could enhance your enjoyment. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother feel with the Glory Red or a slightly heavier, more dynamic experience with the Lotus.
Mentioned in this article
