Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lotus both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Red is a linear switch known for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes with a medium-heavy actuation and soft backlight effects, providing a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus is also a linear switch with a medium weight and a bright, resonant sound, offering a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. If you prefer a polished, creamy switch with a silky feel, the Jupiter Red might be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a bouncier typing experience with a bright sound, the HMX Lotus could be more suitable. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Spring steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lotus both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Jupiter Red's top housing is made of polycarbonate, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the Gateron Jupiter Red stands out with its polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper and more resonant sound. The difference in material between the top and bottom housings allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the switch. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This unique combination in the Jupiter Red results in a dynamic typing experience with a combination of deep, fuller tones from the nylon bottom housing and crisp, clear notes from the polycarbonate top housing.
In comparison, the HMX Lotus uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, creating a consistent and uniform sound profile throughout the typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics. Although the Lotus may not have the sharpness and resonance of the polycarbonate top housing in the Jupiter Red, its consistent sound profile from top to bottom provides a cohesive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Jupiter Red providing a more dynamic and varied sound experience compared to the uniform sound of the HMX Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the actuation force is the same at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Jupiter Red requiring 60 grams and the Lotus requiring 50 grams. This makes the Lotus switch lighter in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Lotus switch more comfortable for extended use, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Jupiter Red switch provides a bit more resistance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Jupiter Red being the heavier option and the Lotus being the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus makes it more suitable for gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Jupiter Red with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Lotus being the shorter option and the Jupiter Red providing a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a faster response time or a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of typing needs. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes the keystrokes feel sleek and effortless, appealing to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Red provides a consistent and seamless typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Lotus switch offers a bouncy feeling and a bright, resonant sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a switch with similar qualities to the Jupiter Red, you may expect to get similar results with the Lotus switch due to their medium weight and smooth keystrokes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, consistent typing experience with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a super bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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