HMX Gravel vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and HMX Lotus both offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that leans towards a lighter touch. This makes it an ideal choice for those who favor a responsive and effortless typing experience without sacrificing a satisfying feel. In contrast, the HMX Lotus boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, delivering a super bouncy sensation that adds a delightful character to every keystroke. While both switches are linear, their unique characteristics can cater to different needs; whether you prioritize a lighter, buttery smooth action with the Gravel or the crisp feedback of the Lotus, your choice will ultimately depend on your typing style and personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the HMX Gravel and HMX Lotus, the distinction in their top housing materials plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The Gravel features a top housing made of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and capability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is often desirable for users who appreciate a more defined response in their typing experience, particularly when using RGB lighting since polycarbonate’s translucency enhances illumination effects. In contrast, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a sound experience that is more muted and rounded, appealing to those who prefer a softer and more plush typing feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gravel and Lotus share the same material: nylon. This alignment created by the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile with a dampening effect on sound, making it consistent across both models. The bottom housing's impact becomes more pronounced during the bottom-out phase when each key is pressed, contributing to a solid yet plush tactile experience. As both switches utilize nylon in this area, users can expect a similar quality of sound absorption and overall feel, which enhances the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housings of the Gravel and Lotus musically contrasts their performance, even as they converge in the bottom housing. While the Gravel's polycarbonate top produces a more resonant sound, the Lotus's nylon top delivers a softer, mellower sound. However, since both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, they will exhibit similarities in terms of the deeper, fuller responses typical of this material. Ultimately, this combination offers users the best of both worlds: they can choose their ideal switch based on personal sound and typing preferences while benefitting from a cohesive feel across both models.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch exhibit identical specifications in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience with these switches, as both provide a lightweight feel conducive to extended use, whether for prolonged typing sessions at work or during long gaming hours. Since the actuation and bottom out forces are the same for both switches, users will likely derive comparable results in terms of performance. Ultimately, both switches can be considered light, making them ideal for those who appreciate a softer touch and minimal fatigue during usage.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel and HMX Lotus linear switches both have identical travel distances of 3.5 mm, meaning they offer the same keypress experience when it comes to the physical distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable feedback and responsiveness when utilizing either switch. Consequently, those who prefer one switch over the other may need to consider other factors, such as actuation force or sound profile, rather than travel distance alone to determine which switch best suits their typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch remains largely undefined in terms of auditory characteristics, leaving its acoustic profile open to interpretation based on the keyboard build and keycap choice. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch is characterized by a bright and resonant sound, providing an auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This distinction in sound profile suggests that while the Gravel may offer a quieter operation, the Lotus is likely to create a more pronounced auditory sensation with each keystroke.
Regarding feel, the Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, making it a standout option for those who appreciate effortless actuation paired with a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a "super bouncy" sensation that emphasizes a more dynamic feel during typing. While both switches aim for a high-quality tactile experience, the Gravel leans towards a smoother actuation, whereas the Lotus provides that extra bounce which could appeal to users who enjoy a more energizing typing sensation.
In conclusion, the HMX Gravel and Lotus switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Gravel is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and refined feel, while the Lotus offers a more tactile and resonant experience. If you are searching for keyboard switches, choosing between them will largely depend on whether you lean towards a quieter, smoother operation or a bouncier, sound-rich experience. Regardless, both switches promise to enhance your typing experience, with their unique characteristics tailored to diverse user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Gravel and HMX Lotus linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel that encourages effortless keystrokes, the HMX Gravel switches might be the best fit for you. Their lighter action adds to the seamless experience, which is ideal for lengthy writing or coding sessions where comfort and speed are paramount. On the other hand, if you enjoy a keystroke that feels bouncy and provides a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switches would likely suit you better. Their delightful auditory feedback and responsive feel can enhance your typing experience, making each press more engaging and enjoyable, particularly for gaming or casual typing. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you—be it the smoothness of Gravel or the bounciness of Lotus—as it will significantly influence your satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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