Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to different typing preferences. Among the favorites are the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), both linear switches that offer distinct characteristics. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, enhanced by a single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation. This design not only promises a silky typing experience but also incorporates high-precision molds for softer backlight effects, making it ideal for users who prioritize seamlessness and consistency. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) stands out with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and an engaging, bouncy feel that elevates the joy of every keystroke. The bright, resonant sound adds an extra layer of auditory satisfaction, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile response. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their unique attributes could make one more suitable for you than the other. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a significant contrast lies in their top housings. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer structure. This material enhances the resonant qualities of the switch, making it particularly notable for users who enjoy a higher-pitched auditory feedback. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) incorporates a nylon top housing, which tends to yield a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon results in a sound profile that absorbs more audio frequencies, offering a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Therefore, when it comes to the upper acoustics of each switch, users can expect distinctly different results depending on the top housing material used.

Conversely, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employ nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality results in a similar auditory characteristic contributed by the bottom half of the switches. The nylon construction ensures that the sound produced during key presses is absorbed to a greater extent, leading to a softer and fuller sound profile across both switch types. As such, while the top housing materials lead to unique acoustic experiences on the release of the key, the deeper, rounded sound that comes from the bottom housing remains consistent in both switches. This shared nylon material plays a pivotal role in shaping the tactile feel and sound during key actuation, making the overall experience more cohesive.

In summary, the differing materials of the top housings emphasize the individual identities of the Jupiter Red and Lotus (Heavy), where polycarbonate offers clarity and brightness, while nylon delivers depth and warmth. However, the mutual selection of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a unified sound signature during key presses, allowing for a rich tactile experience. This duality reflects how housing materials can work together to create a distinctive personality for each switch while still providing similarities in overall performance. Thus, users can appreciate both the unique sound produced during key releases and the common auditory qualities inherent to both switch types when typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches fall within a medium weight classification, the Jupiter Red is more suitable for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) is better for users who enjoy a firmer push feel. The differing actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will experience distinct tactile feedback and resistance levels when using these switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Jupiter Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the more traditional depth that many users appreciate for a hearty feel. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation, especially favored by gamers for faster response times. While both switches function well for different preferences, selecting the Jupiter Red offers a deeper, more tactile experience, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) is ideal for users seeking rapid key presses. As such, if you value responsiveness, the Lotus (Heavy) would be the better choice, while the Jupiter Red may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Jupiter Red switch to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, the Jupiter Red stands out with a neutral sound profile. This makes it well-suited for a wide variety of environments, whether at home or in an office, appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike. The medium actuation force contributes to a sound that isn't overwhelming, creating a balanced auditory environment. In contrast, the sound profile of the Lotus (Heavy) is described as bright and resonant, though specific details about its sound signature are unknown. However, the lively nature of its resonance suggests that it could create a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Jupiter Red.

In terms of the feel, the Jupiter Red linear switch excels with descriptors like polished, creamy, silky, and mild. Together, these qualities deliver a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by reduced friction and ease of key travel. This is likely enhanced by factory lubing, allowing for a luxurious, buttery sensation that invites long typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, while specific details about the feel of the Lotus (Heavy) are not provided, its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g hints at a potentially robust and responsive typing experience. The combination of the weight and that vibrant sound may offer a bouncy and uplifting tactile sensation with each keystroke, differing from the Jupiter Red’s silky smoothness.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a smooth, neutral sound and an exceptionally refined feel, ideal for users looking for a seamless typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), while potentially providing a livelier sound and a firmer feel due to its medium-heavy weight, has less detailed descriptors available for a full comparison. Both switches may appeal to different preferences, with the Jupiter Red catering to those who prioritize smoothness and ease of use, and the Lotus (Heavy) leaning towards a more engaging and responsive tactile experience. For those seeking similar results, the Jupiter Reds offer a consistently pleasant experience, while the Lotus may offer an energizing alternative, albeit with unknown details on the overall smoothness and typing characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios. The Jupiter Red, with its smooth, creamy, and polished characteristics, is ideal if you seek a consistently refined typing experience that balances both comfort and performance. Its neutral sound profile and medium actuation make it particularly versatile for both office environments and personal use, ensuring a seamless flow with every keystroke. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile and bouncy sensation with a bit more resistance, the Lotus (Heavy) linear switch could be your pick. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force contributes to a delightful and resonant keystroke, ideal if you enjoy a switch that provides feedback through the actuation itself. Thus, if you find pleasure in a more dynamic and energetic typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is likely to be more fulfilling. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard, and whether you lean towards a smoother glide or a more pronounced tactile feedback to make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more