HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is renowned for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that creates an engaging, bouncy keystroke feel, making it an excellent option for typists who enjoy a more tactile feedback with each press. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro showcases a smooth operation with a lower, "thocky" sound, catering to gamers and typists alike with its buttery feel and satisfying resistance, appealing especially to budget-conscious enthusiasts. While the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a lively, resonant typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro is geared towards those seeking a versatile, all-rounder switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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 the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom sections, which results in a distinctive auditory profile when typing. The nylon construction in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, making the typing experience richer. This shared characteristic stems from nylon's inherent softness compared to harder plastics. By absorbing sound waves more efficiently, nylon reduces the sharpness typically associated with typing sounds, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, users can expect similar acoustic qualities from both switches, regardless of their design variations.
When analyzing the individual housing components, it is noteworthy that both the Lotus (Heavy) and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) feature nylon in their bottom housings as well. This further emphasizes how the acoustic dampening characteristics of nylon play a crucial role in producing the switch's sound output. When a typist presses down on either switch, the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, offering a softer impact that many typists might find appealing. Consequently, this uniform material choice ensures that both switches deliver a comparable experience regarding sound dampening and feel, leading to a cohesive typing sensation across different finger movements.
While the internal mechanisms and design elements of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) may differ, their identical use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings allows for effective sound absorption and a pleasant typing experience. Given that the top housing primarily impacts the release sound upon key release, and since both switches use the same material for this aspect, consistent results are expected. The relationship between the housing materials and sound profiles remains intact; thus, users can confidently select either switch while anticipating similar tactile and auditory feedback, making both switches excellent choices for enthusiasts looking for a softer and fuller sound while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch, the Gateron switch would be a more suitable choice, especially for those engaged in extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus (Heavy) requires 62.5 grams to bottom out, compared to the 62 grams of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Although these bottom out forces are quite similar, the Gateron switch remains the lighter option overall. Ultimately, users seeking a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel may opt for the HMX Lotus (Heavy), while those who prioritize comfort and reduced strain during long periods of use would benefit from the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro’s 4 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Overall, individuals who prefer immediate feedback may favor the Lotus, whereas those who enjoy a fuller key press might opt for the Milky Yellow Pro.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
In terms of sound quality, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a bright and resonant sound that can provide a lively acoustic experience as you type. This acoustics profile tends to be more pronounced, giving a sense of clarity as each keystroke resonates. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) produces a low-pitched, thocky sound that features a deeper, richer resonance when pressed. Its bassy nature contributes a satisfying, soft thud, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more muted and grounded audio feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches deliver enjoyable auditory feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) leans towards a higher-frequency sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro emphasizes a deeper, more enveloping tone.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is known for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a noticeable resistance that creates a super bouncy sensation with each keystroke. This makes it particularly engaging for users who enjoy a more tactile response during their typing or gaming sessions. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized by its buttery smoothness, allowing for an effortless typing experience that glides under your fingers. While the Milky Yellow does not offer the same heavy bounce, the smoothness can be incredibly satisfying for users who prefer a friction-free experience. This contrast offers distinct preferences: the Lotus (Heavy) for those who seek a more dynamic and deliberate engagement, and the Milky Yellow Pro for those who favor seamless keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) appeal to different user preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Lotus brings a bright, vibrant sound and a bouncy, medium-heavy feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a smooth, buttery experience and a low-pitched thocky sound. Depending on your auditory preference and the tactile engagement you seek, either switch could provide a rewarding typing experience, albeit in distinct ways. Ultimately, both switches have their charms, making them worthy considerations for anyone looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more pronounced sound profile with a bright, resonant quality that brings a delightful bounce to every keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) is your ideal companion. Its slightly heavier actuation force and satisfying auditory feedback make it a great choice for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a more engaging tactile experience. On the other hand, if you're seeking a reliable, all-purpose switch that excels in both gaming and typing with a smoother, buttery feel and a pleasant thocky sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is your best option. This switch caters particularly well to budget-conscious users without sacrificing performance, offering an enjoyable typing experience with a satisfying resistance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and how you intend to use your keyboard, ensuring that you select the switch that best enhances your experience.
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