Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type plays a crucial role in determining your overall typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lighter touch, offering a smooth keystroke with an appealing travel distance that makes typing feel effortless; these characteristics can be especially advantageous for those who prefer faster, lighter feedback during prolonged use. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches provide a medium-heavy resistance of 62.5g, coupled with a bright, resonant sound that adds an engaging auditory element to each keystroke. Their bouncy feel can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a sense of weightiness in their typing. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Gateron Glory Red for lighter, swift typing and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) for a more substantial feel. 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
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is recognized for its contribution to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both switches are likely to deliver a similar auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, which many typists appreciate for its quieter operation and pleasant acoustics.
Moreover, the consistency of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Glory Red and Lotus (Heavy) means that the tactile and acoustic sensations one experiences while typing will be relatively unified across both switches. As the top housing predominantly influences the sound upon key release while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a complementary response from both switches. In scenarios where the top and bottom housings have the same material, the combined sound profile is likely to be harmonious, enhancing the overall typing experience without introducing conflicting auditory characteristics.
While the two switches use identical housing materials, any differences in their internal mechanisms or designs could still lead to variations in feel and sound. However, given that both employ nylon, enthusiasts can anticipate similar acoustic qualities stemming from the material's soft and sound-absorbing nature. Thus, regardless of the potential variances in switch performance, the use of nylon ensures a baseline of sound consistency, making both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Lotus (Heavy) appealing choices for users seeking a satisfying typing experience rooted in quality housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their characteristics. The Gateron Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, which is beneficial for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Additionally, the Lotus switch has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, allowing for a firmer feedback when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Glory Red is currently unavailable. This means that if the bottom out force were to be similar to the Lotus, one could expect similar resistance when bottoming out, but the known heavier nature of the Lotus switch overall suggests a more forceful experience. Ultimately, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter of the two, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Red the longer option by 0.1 mm, appealing to those who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke for a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, which may cater more to gamers and those seeking quicker responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches fall within a close range of travel distances, allowing for similar typing or gaming experiences, but with subtle differences that cater to individual preferences for depth versus speed.
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 (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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by its smooth and relatively quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for environments where minimal noise is preferred. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches produce a bright, resonant sound that can add a tactile dimension to the typing experience, creating a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound experience can be significantly influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's construction, the material of the keycaps, and the mounting style, meaning users may experience variations that differ from the switches' inherent characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, delivering an enjoyable typing experience that many users appreciate for its fluid action. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, provides a super bouncy feeling that can enhance the tactile feedback during typing. This weight contributes to a more forceful actuation that some typists may find satisfying, accentuating the sensation of responsiveness with each press.
Considering the available information, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel but can deliver satisfying typing experiences. The Glory Red excels in providing a quieter and smoother operation, while the Lotus (Heavy) appeals to those seeking more auditory engagement and a bouncier typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences, such as the desired sound profile and tactile feedback during use, ensuring that either switch can lead to a rewarding experience tailored to the individual user.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smoother, lighter keystroke that allows for rapid, effortless typing, the Glory Red is an excellent option. Its pleasing travel distance and enjoyable feel make it a perfect choice for gamers or typists who prefer quick responsiveness without the fatigue of a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial typing experience, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) may be more suitable. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, you can expect a satisfying tactile feedback and a bright, resonant sound that could enhance your overall typing experience. The bounciness of the Lotus switch can also be particularly enjoyable for those who want a certain degree of resistance to their keystrokes, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, make your choice based on whether you prioritize speed and lightness or a more weighted, tactile experience in your mechanical keyboard.
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