Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, it is important to note that they each offer unique qualities to suit different preferences. The Ink Yellow is best known for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a smooth and clacky feel categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, giving users a super bouncy sensation with every keystroke. While the Ink Yellow may appeal to those seeking a balance between laptop and mechanical keyboard typing experiences, the Lotus switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Lotus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a clacky and satisfying feel. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches have different top housing materials, they each offer distinct auditory experiences for users.
The bottom housing materials of the Ink Yellow and the Lotus also play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, providing a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Meanwhile, the Lotus's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, complementing the top housing to create a well-rounded auditory experience. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact that the bottom housing material can have on the overall typing sound and feel.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Lotus can greatly influence the sound and typing experience for users. While the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing offer a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Lotus's nylon top and bottom housing produce a deeper and fuller sound. Whether users prefer a sharper and more defined typing experience or a softer and more rounded sound, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials in mechanical switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, making them an important consideration for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the HMX Lotus linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Ink Yellow is also heavier at 67 grams, while the Lotus has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Lotus offers a lighter touch for easier typing over extended periods. This makes the Ink Yellow better suited for those who prefer a heavier switch, while the Lotus is ideal for users who enjoy a lighter typing experience. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing feel and experience for users, with varying preferences based on individual preferences for weight and typing force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results when using either of these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing purposes. Additionally, it provides a clacky sound, giving it a crisp and bright quality when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch does not have a specific sound description provided, meaning its sound profile may be more subjective and dependent on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This switch falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Conversely, no specific feel description is provided for the HMX Lotus linear switch, suggesting that its typing experience may vary and should be tested personally to determine if it aligns with individual preferences.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Lotus linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a neutral sound profile with a smooth and refined typing experience, the HMX Lotus may provide a more bouncy and resonant feel during typing. To achieve similar results in sound and feel, it is recommended to test both switches on the same keyboard and with the same keycaps to truly compare and determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Lotus linear switches, you should consider the bottom out force preference and desired typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, clacky typing experience that falls between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a super bouncy, bright sound with a medium weight feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
