HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, delivering a bright, resonant sound that makes each keystroke feel delightfully bouncy and satisfying. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a more robust typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a smooth and affordable option with its buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Lotus switch excels in providing a pronounced feedback and responsiveness, the Milky Red Pro emphasizes smoothness and affordability, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Due to nylon's softer plastic composition, it effectively absorbs sound, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, both switches deliver a similarly satisfying acoustic performance, making them appealing for users who prioritize a less harsh typing sound, providing an enjoyable mechanical experience across both models.
Despite the identical nylon housing material, the impact of the housing on the overall typing feel can vary depending on how each switch is constructed. In both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), the nylon top housing primarily influences the sound produced when the key is released, while the bottom housing plays a larger role in the sound and feel when the key bottoms out. This nuanced difference illustrates how even with the same materials, each switch can impart unique tactile feedback and sound characteristics because the design and internal mechanisms may diverge, which further enriches the user's experience.
Ultimately, the similarity in housing materials guarantees that both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will deliver a rich auditory experience, yet the distinct constructions of the switches may lead to variations in feel and feedback. Users looking for specific typing sensations will find that even with adhered materials, the design and assembly differences play a crucial role in defining the characteristics of each switch. Therefore, while the nylon offers a shared foundation for a pleasant sound profile, the choice between the two models may depend on personal preferences regarding the tactile experience and performance nuances each provides.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference in weight can significantly affect user experience: those who favor a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for its ease of typing and extended comfort during long sessions, while users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing could opt for the Lotus (Heavy). Overall, the Lotus is the heavier switch, creating a more deliberate keystroke, whereas the Milky Red Pro offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and comfort.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is measured at 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for quicker key presses and faster response times. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial key press and a deeper feel. Ultimately, if you lean towards a switch that allows for quicker response without feeling abrupt, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch would be ideal. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced depth when typing, you might prefer the longer travel distance offered by the Gateron switch.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 examining the sound profile of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it is characterized by a bright and resonant tone that stands out as uniquely pronounced compared to many others in its class. This creates an engaging experience, where each keystroke is not only felt but also heard distinctly, adding a layer of character to typing. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a low-pitched "thock" sound that is bassy and rich, evoking a deep, satisfying auditory feedback with each press. The combination of these sounds results in a divergence between the two switches; the Lotus offers a more vibrant and bright experience, while the Milky Red Pro gives a deeper, softer acoustic signature, which leans more towards a pleasant, thocky resonance. This difference greatly impacts the overall user experience, catering to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is known for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, which contributes to a super bouncy sensation with every keystroke, making typing feel both effortless and energizing. This offers a tactile feedback that can encourage faster typing, allowing users to enjoy each press. The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), on the other hand, is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, providing a fluid and seamless experience. This effortless action can be incredibly satisfying, particularly during prolonged typing sessions, where fatigue can quickly set in. While both switches provide a distinct experience, the Lotus leans towards a lively and bouncy feel, while the Milky Red Pro offers a slick and sensory-rich sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) present compelling options within the linear switch category, albeit catering to slightly different preferences. The Lotus switch captures attention with its bright sound and bouncy feel, while the Milky Red Pro impresses with its deeper auditory feedback and buttery smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the vibrant soundscape and lively feedback of the Lotus or the rich bass tones and fluid motion of the Milky Red Pro, both switches promise a delightful typing experience that can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing style, preferences, and the overall experience you are seeking. If you appreciate a bouncier feel and prefer typing on a switch that has a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Lotus (Heavy) may be your best option. Its resonant sound and medium-heavy feel can make typing feel more engaging and lively, providing that satisfying feedback if you enjoy a more tactile experience. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth, effortless typing experience with a lighter touch, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of just 52 grams, it offers that buttery smoothness with a pleasing low-pitched thock sound, perfect for those long typing sessions or gaming marathons without causing strain. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a bit more weight and responsiveness in your keystrokes or prefer a soft and nuanced typing experience with a budget-friendly option. Both switches have their unique characteristics, catering to different personal preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
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