Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Lotus offer distinct yet appealing options for users who favor linear switches. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its remarkably light typing experience, featuring an ultra-low 40g actuation force that allows for effortless keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus provides a medium actuation force of 50g and boasts a bright, resonant sound, delivering a lively and bouncy feel that brings a sense of joy to every key press. While the Grape Orange leans towards comfort and endurance, the Lotus emphasizes an engaging tactile feedback and auditory delight. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Grape Orange and HMX Lotus switches each utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which enhances the overall clarity and brightness of the sound produced when the key is pressed. This material excels in creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly suited for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency allows the lighting to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing—known for being softer—resulting in a more muted, deeper sound profile. This housing material absorbs more sound, thus offering a fuller, rounder auditory experience, which may appeal to users looking for a softer touch when typing and a more subdued sound output.
Interestingly, both the Grape Orange and HMX Lotus have nylon as their bottom housing material, which helps to create a consistent auditory experience across both switches regarding the lower sounds produced when the key bottoms out. In both cases, the use of nylon provides a softer touch and helps absorb noise, contributing to a deeper sound when the switch is pressed down. Since the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound, both switches would share a similar feel and sound when the key is fully pressed, thus conditioning users to anticipate a comparable user experience at this level.
When comparing the overall auditory experience offered by the Grape Orange and the HMX Lotus, it becomes evident that the differentiation in sound is mainly due to the contrasting top housing materials. While the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top contributes a brighter and more resonant profile, the Lotus’s nylon top delivers a more mellow and rounded sound. Ultimately, this combination of different top and identical bottom materials leads to unique yet harmoniously balanced sound profiles, demonstrating how the distinct characteristics of housing materials can be effectively leveraged within keyboard design to suit various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, we can see some noteworthy distinctions. The Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same force to fully depress the key, which may result in similar tactile feedback when bottoming out. Consequently, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Lotus caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in selecting the right switch for either gaming or professional use.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch reveals a slight difference in their performance. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Lotus measures at 3.5 mm. This small distinction suggests that users may experience a more pronounced keypress depth with the Grape Orange, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, could provide a quicker response time, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking faster actuation. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Lotus would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy deeper, more deliberate keystrokes, the Grape Orange may be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Grape Orange linear switch is relatively quiet, catering to users who prefer a more discreet typing experience. This makes it ideal for office environments or quiet settings where noise can be a distraction. In contrast, the HMX Lotus linear switch features a bright, resonant sound that adds a layer of auditory feedback to the typing experience. While the sound of a switch can also depend on the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps, the Lotus is likely to provide a more pronounced acoustic profile during use.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Grape Orange offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with a low actuation force of 40g. This attribute allows for a fluid, agile typing motion, making it particularly suitable for lengthy writing sessions without finger fatigue. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch provides a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, creating a more substantial feel that many users appreciate as it gives tactile confidence with each keystroke. The super bouncy quality of the Lotus adds an element of enjoyment, making it feel snappier when pressed.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Lotus switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange provides a lighter and quieter typing experience, making it great for those who type for long periods without much noise. Meanwhile, the Lotus combines a vibrant sound with a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a little more tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that both can deliver satisfying typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are seeking an incredibly light and effortless typing experience, especially for long typing sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force, which enhances comfort and reduces fatigue. Its feel is smooth and consistent, making it ideal for those who prefer minimal resistance and a touch of gentleness in each keystroke. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-weight feel with a bit more tactile feedback and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch will cater to your needs. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate a bouncy response with a satisfying sound profile, making it delightful for both typing and gaming. Thus, consider your preferences in terms of actuation weight and sound profile: choose the Grape Orange for a lighter, more effortless experience, and opt for the HMX Lotus when you desire a more dynamic and engaging keystroke.
Mentioned in this article
