HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Melodic present two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different user preferences. The Lotus (Heavy), a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound, offering a buoyant feel that enhances the typing experience with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic brings a fresh perspective to the clicky switch genre, infusing innovations like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This ensures that users enjoy the satisfying click and tactile feedback synonymous with clicky switches, while also benefitting from an overall smooth operation—perfect for those who revel in an invigorating auditory experience while typing. Both switches cater to distinct desires; the Lotus (Heavy) for those seeking a linear, sleek action, and the Melodic for those who thrive on tactile and auditory engagement. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Melodic switches exhibit significant differences in their top housing materials, influencing their acoustic properties and overall typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer, more absorbent characteristics that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic employs a polycarbonate top housing which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This distinction in materials results in contrasting auditory experiences; while the nylon in the Lotus enriches the sound with a rounded quality, the polycarbonate in the Melodic emphasizes clarity and resonance. Therefore, users can expect to enjoy a completely different auditory sensation when typing on these two switches due to the impact of the top housing material.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, leading to some similarities in the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Lotus (Heavy) and Melodic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic means that when a user bottoms out on either switch, they will experience a similar auditory result, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in determining the sound upon key presses. The nylon’s softer qualities tend to absorb and dampen sound, making both switches feel more uniform at the point of bottoming out despite their differences in top housing.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Melodic switches lead to distinct sound profiles, shaping the overall typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Lotus delivers a warmer and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate in the Melodic offers a brighter and more resonant sonic experience. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches brings a similarity to their performance when bottomed out. Consequently, users might find that while the sound created by releasing the key varies between the two, the sound produced from the bottoming out remains largely consistent, allowing for a degree of shared auditory experience in both cases.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus has a defined actuation force of 55 grams, while the Melodic switch does not have a specified actuation force available, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this regard. However, the Melodic’s bottom out force is 60 grams, which is very close to the Lotus’s bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This implies that, while the Melodic does not have a specified actuation force, it should provide a similar typing experience when pressed to their respective limits. Overall, the Lotus switch can be considered heavier, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, whereas the Melodic's lack of an actuation force measurement suggests it may be lighter, ideal for users looking for a more comfortable, prolonged typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there is a clear distinction. The Lotus switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, whereas the Melodic switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. This difference in travel distance may impact user experience: those who favor a more responsive feel might prefer the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Lotus switch for quicker actuation, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may gravitate towards the Melodic switch with its traditional 4 mm travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and typing experience.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright and resonant tone that stands out during typing. This creates an engaging auditory experience that adds a lively character to the overall typing ambiance. The resonant quality resonates well, imparting a sharp edge to each keystroke, which is appealing to many users who seek a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a unique combination of a higher-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a crunchy sensation reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This classic clicky sound combined with a clean and sharp profile adds a nostalgic yet refreshing touch, making it particularly attractive to those who appreciate clicky switches.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a super bouncy sensation that instills confidence in each keystroke. This responsive feedback makes the typing experience enjoyable and engaging. Conversely, the Gateron Melodic switch is designed for smoothness, thanks to advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. It offers a buttery feel for a seamless keystroke, paired with invigorating feedback that is both snappy and reactive. This combination caters to typists looking for a smooth yet responsive typing experience, allowing for quick and efficient typing while still feeling engaged with the switch's feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Melodic switches cater to distinct preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Lotus provides a bright and resonant auditory experience with a bouncy feel, appealing to those who enjoy a lively typing environment. In contrast, the Melodic combines a nostalgic clicky sound with a smooth and invigorating tactile experience, merging the classic feel of clicky switches with modern enhancements for a refined performance. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on whether one prioritizes a lively sound with a bouncy feel or a rich clicky sound with a smooth, responsive experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a bouncy feel with a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a bright, resonant auditory feedback without the added clickiness, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice. It provides that satisfying keystroke that many typists find delightful, especially if you appreciate a smoother, more linear typing experience. On the other hand, if you thrive on auditory feedback and tactile sensations, the Gateron Melodic would likely be more up your alley. With its smooth operation, pronounced click, and invigorating feel, this switch delivers the classic clicky experience, making every keystroke feel lively and engaging. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a mellow yet responsive linear feel, go for the Lotus (Heavy); but if you want a switch that combines tactile feedback with an enjoyable clicky sound, the Gateron Melodic is your best bet.
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