HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the tactile and auditory characteristics that best suit their typing preferences and environments. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch stands out with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, delivering a uniquely bouncy typing experience complemented by a bright and resonant sound. This makes it ideal for users who relish a more dynamic and expressive feedback with every keystroke, perfect for gaming or casual typing where auditory affirmation enhances the experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is specifically engineered for office use, prioritizing discretion. Its light actuation force allows for effortless typing, while its subdued sound profile provides a quieter experience that maintains a balance between comfort and subtlety, making it well-suited for continuous typing in professional settings. While both switches fall into the linear category, they cater to vastly different user needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Mountain Top switches share a significant similarity: they both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice of material results in comparable acoustic properties, as nylon is known for its relatively softer texture compared to harder plastics. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, allowing both switches to provide a satisfying auditory experience. The sound produced by each switch is rounded and muted, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively, which can enhance the tactile experience during use.
Despite being made from the same material, the way each switch's design incorporates nylon can affect their sound profiles slightly. In the Lotus (Heavy), the nylon housing is designed to optimize sound dampening and resonance, resulting in a very subdued typing noise that many users appreciate. Similarly, the Gateron Mountain Top’s nylon housing promises a comparable audio experience due to shared material properties, thus ensuring that users of both switches can expect a calm tactile sound with every keystroke. While the core material remains the same, factors such as housing shape and internal structure could yield slight variances in the final sound output.
Ultimately, the shared use of nylon for both top and bottom housings in the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Mountain Top creates a distinctive typing sound that enhances the overall typing experience. When pressed, the sound and feel are influenced more by the bottom housing, and when released, the top housing becomes more prominent in delivering sound quality. Thus, users of either switch can anticipate a similar acoustic feedback, regardless of the subtle differences in switch design. The nylon housings in both switches foster an environment conducive to producing a damper, richer sound profile, making them appealing choices for both casual typists and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight. Conversely, the Mountain Top offers a significantly lighter experience with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Mountain Top would be the favorable choice. The Lotus (Heavy), with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial typing feel, ideal for those who appreciate a firmer push. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for weight and tactile feedback in their typing or gaming environment.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is notable that the Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mountain Top measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) offers a deeper key press, which caters to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Mountain Top, being the shorter option, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Both switches reflect contemporary preferences for varying travel lengths, with the Lotus (Heavy) leaning more towards traditional depths for those who enjoy a fuller experience, while the Mountain Top emphasizes speed and agility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness in their 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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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) switch produces a bright, resonant sound that can be quite pronounced during typing. This auditory characteristic can create a pleasant and engaging experience for users who enjoy a more acoustic response from their switches. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is specifically designed for office environments, offering a much quieter typing experience, aiming for discretion with a neutral sound profile. This allows for a more subdued auditory presence during use, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a less disruptive sound, particularly in shared or professional spaces.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) is recognized for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation that enhances the typing experience by offering a delightful feedback with each keystroke. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches are characterized by a lighter actuation force that requires less effort, allowing for easy and comfortable typing sessions. They provide a bouncy feel as well, but the added qualities of being snappy and subtle present an engaging yet effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue over time.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lotus excels with its bright sound and bouncy, heavy feel, appealing to users who appreciate a more active typing experience. Meanwhile, the Mountain Top focuses on creating a quiet, mild, and easy-to-press experience, ideal for professional settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on your priorities—whether you lean more toward an engaging sound and tactile feedback or a discreet and lightweight typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider both your typing needs and environment. If you prefer a more robust and tactile typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) is the way to go. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams, it offers a delightful bounce with a bright, resonant sound that can be satisfying for both gaming and typing enthusiasts. This switch is particularly suited for users who enjoy a bit of feedback and are engaging in activities that allow the sound and feel to enhance their experience, such as creative projects or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you work in an office setting or require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch, with its light bottom out force of just 50 grams, is ideal for you. These switches provide a mild, bouncy feel along with a subtle sound profile that minimizes distraction in shared spaces. They cater to those who need to type for extended periods without tiring their fingers, ensuring that you maintain comfort and focus. Ultimately, the choice boils down to your personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
