Jerrzi Orange vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) showcases two distinct approaches to the linear switch experience. The Jerrzi Orange is celebrated for its feathery touch and clacky sound, offering a lightweight feel that provides a lively and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for those who crave a bit of auditory feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bright, resonant sound that enhances the overall sensation of each press, creating a delightful bouncy feeling for users who prefer a more substantial tactile presence. While both switches cater to linear preference, the Jerrzi Orange emphasizes a playful sound profile, whereas the HMX Lotus focuses on a satisfying heft. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Orange switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Jerrzi Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality stems from polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which promotes clarity and resonance, making it a popular choice for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which is widely recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing material suggests that while both switches can provide satisfying tactile feedback, the Orange leans toward a brighter character, while the Lotus evokes a warmer sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches utilize nylon, which creates a common ground between the two. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller sound signature, as it absorbs sound and provides a very muted response compared to harder plastics. This aspect of the design means that, irrespective of the top housing difference, both switches will yield a consistent experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The impact of the nylon's absorption properties ensures that regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, there's a shared depth and richness in the sound signature when pressing down on either switch.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches demonstrate an intriguing blend of contrasting and complementary materials. While the polycarbonate top of the Orange creates a brighter and more resonant character, the nylon top of the Lotus tempers this with a deeper sound profile. Both switches share the nylon bottom housing, however, which creates commonality in the deeper sound experience and tactile feedback when pressing down. Ultimately, users looking for a specific acoustic characteristic can choose between the two based on their sound preference, while still receiving a familiar depth in sound due to the properties shared by the nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation force stands out. The Jerrzi Orange requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a soft touch while typing or gaming, which can be beneficial for extended periods of use. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) necessitates a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Lotus switch has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Orange is unknown. Consequently, for users looking for a lighter switch that allows for long sessions without strain, the Jerrzi Orange is the better choice. Conversely, those who appreciate a heavier feel and tactile feedback will likely gravitate towards the more robust HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Jerrzi Orange features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference suggests that the Orange switch may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing to gamers or those seeking a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences; those favoring a more responsive action might lean toward the Lotus (Heavy), while users who appreciate a hearty depth may prefer the Jerrzi Orange.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 Jerrzi Orange linear switches produce a clacky and lively auditory profile, characterized by crisp and bright feedback that resonates with each keystroke. This sharp, snappy sound can create an engaging and dynamic typing experience, particularly appealing for those who enjoy more expressive keyboard interactions. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches are noted for their bright and resonant sound, though specifics regarding their auditory qualities aren’t detailed. Both switches can provide a satisfying auditory experience; however, the Orange's distinct clackiness is more defined, while the Lotus may offer a different timbre due to its unique construction.
When we assess the feel of these switches, the Jerrzi Orange switches are designed to be exceptionally light and easy to press, characterized by a feathery touch that requires minimal exertion from the fingers. This results in a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making them suitable for prolonged use, whether for gaming or work. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is described as medium-heavy, weighing 62.5g, and providing a super bouncy feel that adds a delightful element to each keystroke. While the specifics of the Lotus’s tactile feedback are not detailed, its weight suggests a firmer resistance compared to the effortless action of the Orange switches.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Orange excels in providing a lively clacky sound and a lightweight, responsive feel, while the Lotus promises a bright sound with a medium-heavy resistance that creates a bouncier typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory feedback and a lighter feel, or a more weighted and potentially resonant typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a clacky, lively feedback and prioritize a feather-light touch, the Orange switch would be a wonderful choice, particularly for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where minimizing finger fatigue is key. Its subdued yet sharp sound would keep your setup engaging without being overly intrusive. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force that provides robust tactile feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is likely to suit you better. Its resonant sound combined with a bounce under your fingers gives each keystroke a satisfying weight that can enhance your typing experience, making it enjoyable for both casual and intensive use. Ultimately, consider your comfort, sound preferences, and intended use when making your selection, as each switch brings its unique characteristics to your overall typing experience.
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