HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Mars offer compelling but distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, which provides a satisfying and bouncy keystroke sensation combined with a bright, resonant sound, making every press a joyful experience. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a tactile feedback that enhances their typing rhythm and offers a lively auditory response. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches stand out due to their innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth and consistent keystroke with a quieter operation. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a more subdued typing experience without compromising on performance. Both switches present strong cases for different preferences and settings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Mars switches both feature nylon as their top housing material, which contributes significantly to their acoustic properties. Nylon is widely recognized in the keyboard community for its sound-dampening qualities, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. When typing on either switch, users can expect a rounded sound that is less harsh compared to switches made from harder plastics. The shared nylon top housing in both switches allows them to create a similar auditory experience, ensuring that the sound emitted during key releases is pleasantly muted and deep when compared to other materials.
However, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly in materials, with the Lotus (Heavy) using nylon and the Mars utilizing POM. While both nylon and POM can produce satisfying sounds, they have distinct characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Lotus (Heavy) maintains a cohesive sound profile with its top housing while adding an element of softness. In contrast, the POM bottom housing in the Mars is known to produce a unique sound that is slightly more muted, giving it a slightly different tactile experience on bottoming out. This difference may be noticeable to users when pressing the keys, ultimately influencing the feel and acoustics in different ways, despite the alluring sound properties of both materials.
In summary, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Mars switches share similarities with their nylon top housings that enhance the sound profile, they contrast in their bottom housing materials, which notably affects the overall typing experience. Users will appreciate the softer sound and feel contributed by the Lotus's complete nylon construction, while those who opt for the Mars can enjoy the unique characteristics imparted by the POM bottom. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both promise rich auditory experiences enhanced by thoughtful material selection.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, marking it as a heavier option that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended use, such as long typing sessions or gaming marathons, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. Users who prefer a softer touch and lighter feedback will likely gravitate towards the Mars switch for its lighter actuation force, while those seeking a more tactile and defined keystroke may appreciate the heftier nature of the Lotus (Heavy). Consequently, if the bottom out force of the Mars was known, it could further clarify its performance characteristics, but for now, it remains undetermined. Overall, the Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier switch, while the Mars is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Mars switch offers a bit more depth when pressed, which could appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel under their fingers. Conversely, if responsiveness is a priority, the Lotus switch, being the shorter of the two, might be the better choice for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, but the slight variation reflects their respective designs catering to different preferences regarding tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright and resonant tone that adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This characteristic can enhance the overall satisfaction of each keystroke, making it feel lively and dynamic. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch, while not specifically characterized in terms of sound, is crafted with a unique POK stem housed in a blend of Nylon and POM, which could imply a focus on a smoother and potentially quieter operating sound compared to more traditional switches. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Mars switch remain unknown, making direct comparison challenging.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch exhibits a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g that contributes to a super bouncy experience. This weight allows for a satisfying resistance that some typists prefer, providing a tactile feedback that can be both enjoyable and functional. The Gateron Mars switch, with its innovative design, likely offers a smooth keystroke due to the materials used. However, the specifics regarding the feel of the Mars switch are not provided, so it’s difficult to determine how it compares to the bouncy sensation offered by the Lotus.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch excels with its bright sound and super bouncy feel, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a more dynamic typing experience. The Gateron Mars switch has a unique build that may offer smoother operation, but without clear information on its sound and feel, the comparison remains somewhat inconclusive. If similar tactile feedback or sound is desired, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style, especially considering that factors like keycap and board type can further influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium-heavy weight with a tactile bounce and a bright, resonant sound that enhances your keystrokes, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice. It caters to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and satisfying auditory response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are drawn to innovative designs and want a smoother feel with the advanced POK stem and a nylon-POM housing blend, the Gateron Mars could be your switch of choice. While specific sound characteristics for the Mars aren't available, its unique construction promises a distinct typing sensation, ideal for users prioritizing innovation and a premium feel over sound feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preference for weight, sound, and the tactile experience that will enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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