HMX Jelly vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Jelly and HMX Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, gamers and typists may find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thock sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience while typing or gaming. Its lightweight design, requiring only a 42g actuation force, ensures smooth keystrokes, making it a great option for those who prioritize rapid input with minimal effort. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus offers a more balanced experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out. Its bright, resonant sound paired with a bouncy feel creates a lively typing experience that can enhance overall enjoyment during use. While both switches are linear and provide a smooth actuation, their differing tactile feedback and sound profiles can significantly influence your typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and HMX Lotus keyboards both feature nylon as their housing material, both at the top and the bottom. This commonality suggests that users can expect similar acoustic performance from both switches. With nylon being a softer plastic, each switch is likely to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. The outcome is a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made from harder plastics. Since both models employ nylon for each housing component, users should anticipate nearly identical auditory sensations regardless of which switch they choose.
In addition to producing similar sound characteristics, the nylon material utilized in both the Jelly and the Lotus contributes to their tactile feedback. The bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out feel, bears a significant role in the overall typing experience. Since both switches are constructed with nylon on both the top and bottom, they share a consistent baseline when it comes to tactile responsiveness and acoustic damping. This will be particularly noticeable when keys are pressed down, as the softer nature of nylon adds a layer of satisfaction that is often sought after in high-quality mechanical keyboards.
While the HMX Jelly and HMX Lotus utilize the same material for their housing, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings could lead to subtle differences in user experience depending on how each component interacts. The top housing significantly influences the sound released upon key release, while the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the feel and sound of the key being pressed down. Given that both switches rely on nylon for both components, these aspects will remain comparably consistent, allowing for a uniformly satisfying experience whether users opt for the Jelly or the Lotus. Ultimately, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound and feel, attributable to the shared nylon material across both models.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specific measurements. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Lotus switch requires a marginally higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Jelly switch the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience suitable for extended use—perfect for long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus switch, while still considered light, offers a slightly stronger push feel, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are light, the Jelly's lower actuation and bottom out forces make it the more delicate choice, while the Lotus caters slightly more to those wanting a bit of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Jelly has a longer travel distance at 3.8 mm, while the Lotus measures at 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm indicates that the Jelly switch may provide a more substantial feedback and a deeper keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Conversely, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, could offer quicker actuation and responsiveness, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking fast response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference—opt for the Jelly for a more hearty depth or the Lotus for a quicker, more abrupt feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, making it a choice for those who appreciate a muted yet satisfying auditory experience when typing. The sound profile is ideally complemented by the switches' excellent factory lube, which helps to minimize any scratchiness, resulting in a pleasurable keystroke experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch delivers a bright, resonant sound that can create an engaging typing atmosphere. This difference in tonality suggests that while the Jelly switches cater to users looking for a more subdued sound, the Lotus may better suit those who prefer a more vibrant and lively acoustic response, although the ultimate sound experience can greatly vary based on the specific keyboard build and keycaps used with either switch.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Jelly linear switch is designed to be super smooth, likely due to its lightweight 42g actuation force, making it easy to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This smoothness can enhance the overall typing experience by allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a super bouncy feeling, aided by its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force. This bounce can create a more dynamic sensation when typing, giving users a sense of liveliness in their input. While the Jelly encourages comfort and ease, the Lotus provides a more energetic tactile experience, which can transform how one interacts with their keyboard.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Jelly and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different user preferences. The Jelly’s low-pitched sound and smooth feel make it ideal for those seeking a quiet and effortless typing experience, while the Lotus’s bright sound and bouncy feel appeal to users looking for a more engaging input method. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying performance, allowing users to choose based on their auditory and tactile preferences without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound signature. If you prefer a switch that offers a lighter touch with a deep, thocky sound, the Jelly may be the optimal choice for you. Its smoothness, enhanced by excellent factory lube, combined with a lighter actuation force of 42g, makes it a pleasure to type on, especially if you enjoy a more laid-back typing experience or engage in long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you're someone who finds joy in the tactile feedback of a slightly heavier switch and appreciates a brighter, more resonant sound, the Lotus would likely be more suitable. With a bottom-out force of 50g, it delivers a bouncy feel that can elevate the tactile experience with every keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches should align with your typing habits, sound preferences, and the overall feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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