Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Lotus both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Glory Yellow is known for its heavier resistance in the Glory lineup, providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that many find enhances their typing experience. It is perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus features a medium weight of 50g bottom out, coupled with a bright, resonant sound that contributes to its clacky, bouncy, and silky characteristics. This switch delivers a playful and delightful keystroke that appeals to users who prefer a lively typing experience. Both switches have their merits, with the Glory Yellow appealing to those seeking a robust and consistent feel, while the Lotus is ideal for those who appreciate a more dynamic auditory and tactile 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Lotus both feature nylon as their primary housing material, encompassing both the top and bottom. This choice of nylon serves to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the material is inherently softer than many other plastics, effectively absorbing sound and minimizing higher frequencies. Because both switches utilize this classic housing material in their constructions, users can expect similar auditory experiences when typing. The consistent use of nylon indicates that the resulting acoustics are likely to exhibit a duller and rounder quality, which many users find appealing for a more subdued and comfortable typing experience.
While both switches utilize nylon for their housings, they may differ in their design elements or internal components that could alter the overall feel and responsiveness, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided descriptions. The changes, if any, would primarily affect the tactile feedback or actuation force rather than the sound profile, which remains consistent across both switch types due to the shared material. Therefore, even if the experience of typing on the Glory Yellow and Lotus could have subtle distinctions in feel, the underlying acoustic characteristics will remain quite similar, fostering a pleasing typing atmosphere across both switches.
In terms of performance, the impact of the nylon housings enhances the overall aesthetic of the typing experience, as discussed previously. Users can expect that when pressing down on either switch, the softness of the nylon will contribute to a muted bottom-out sound and softer feel, while the release dynamics will reflect the material's properties as well. Consequently, whether a user opts for the Gateron Glory Yellow or the HMX Lotus, they can appreciate that both switch designs promise a harmonious and enjoyable typing experience, with the nylon housings working in concert to produce that desirable roundness and depth. This level of sameness in housing material warrants confidence in achieving comparable results in terms of sound and overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Lotus is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that users of the Lotus switch may find it easier to type for extended periods, making it more suitable for long hours of work or gaming. Conversely, the Glory Yellow, with its heavier actuation force, could provide a more pronounced typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a consistent force to bottom out. Overall, the HMX Lotus is the lighter option, which may appeal to users looking for a less strenuous typing experience, while the Gateron Glory Yellow caters to those who prefer a firmer feel when pressing down on the keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lotus features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which can be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you value depth and a more tactile experience, the Glory Yellow is the better option; however, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Lotus would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow switch is generally noted for its of sound quality, which, while not explicitly detailed in terms of decibels or specific descriptors, suggests that it offers a more subdued auditory profile compared to more aggressive switches. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch is characterized by its bright and resonant sound, often described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This means that those seeking a more pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke may prefer the Lotus, while those who enjoy a quieter setup might find the Glory Yellow to be more suitable, although the overall sound experience can also depend on the keyboard and keycap choices.
When assessing the feel of these switches, the Glory Yellow is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, promising an enjoyable typing experience. The HMX Lotus switch provides a distinctly bouncy sensation, coupled with a feathery touch that allows for light presses, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Lotus is described as having a silky feel, ensuring minimal resistance, which enhances the overall smoothness during typing. This gives the Lotus an edge for users who prioritize a lively, responsive feeling under their fingers, while the Glory Yellow remains smooth yet more traditional in its linear feel.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Lotus switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Glory Yellow tends to favor a more muted sound and offers a pleasantly smooth keystroke, ideal for users who enjoy a classic linear feel. On the other hand, the Lotus is geared towards those who appreciate brighter acoustic feedback and a dynamic, bouncy sensation with each press. If you're leaning towards the lively and resonant experience of the Lotus, that will be a distinctly different experience from the Glory Yellow's understated qualities, helping you choose based on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Lotus linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and usage scenario. If you prefer a smooth keystroke and a solid feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow could be ideal for you, especially if you appreciate a good travel distance that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy, responsive feel and a bright, clacky sound, the HMX Lotus is the better choice. It caters well to users who might appreciate a little auditory feedback while enjoying light actuation, making it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where quick and responsive keystrokes are beneficial. In the end, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so consider what matters most to you in your keyboard experience to make the right decision.
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