HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts might find themselves pondering which switch best suits their typing style and preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivers a vibrant, bouncy keystroke that many users find exhilarating, paired with a bright, resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel, characterized by its deeper sound profile, providing a robust combination of responsiveness and auditory depth that some typists may prefer. While both switches fall into the linear category, making them ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing, their unique characteristics may lead users to choose one over the other based on personal taste. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Cherry MX Red utilize nylon as their sole housing material for both the top and bottom sections. This shared material choice influences the overall typing experience, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. When typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is characteristic of nylon switches. Since both rely on the same material, users can anticipate that the auditory feedback will be similar: a duller and rounder sound that provides a satisfying acoustic experience. This consistency in material leads to an overall similar performance in terms of sound when engaged.
While the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Cherry MX Red switches share identical housing materials in nylon, the performance nuances arise from other factors such as design and actuation force. Nevertheless, the performance in terms of sound is guaranteed to be similar due to the nylon's inherent traits. For instance, both switches will exhibit a reduced high-frequency sound, contributing to a gentler typing experience. The tactile sensations as users press down on the keys will also reflect the properties of the nylon, providing a softer feel than harder plastics.
Moreover, the impact of the housings on the sound produced when a key bottoms out differs slightly between the two switches. The bottom housing typically contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced upon key release. Since both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Cherry MX Red utilize the same nylon material in both housings, this results in a consistent auditory experience between the two switches, irrespective of their potential design variations. The overall interaction with the switch remains pleasurable due to the shared sound profile characteristics imparted by the nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is heavier than the Cherry MX Red's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Lotus switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer key feel. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Lotus is measured at 62.5 grams, indicating a clear threshold for that final compression of the key. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch has an unknown bottom out force, which leaves it ambiguous in terms of its ultimate tactile feedback when pressed all the way down. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Red would be the better option, whereas the HMX Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who enjoy a more robust feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that there is a notable difference. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Cherry MX Red, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This disparity suggests that the Lotus (Heavy) may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker keystrokes. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: those seeking faster response times might opt for the Lotus (Heavy), while individuals who appreciate a hearty depth in their key presses could lean towards the Cherry MX Red.
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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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) linear switch stands out with its bright, resonant quality that resonates with a delightful tone, creating an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that produces a deep, rich sound akin to a soft "knock" when pressed and released. This difference not only caters to personal preferences but also highlights how the choice of keyboard and keycaps can further influence the overall sound produced by each switch.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a super bouncy sensation that enhances the typing experience, making each key press feel lively and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for a slightly heftier feel, but also incorporates a textured quality, which may introduce noticeable friction during use. This texture might be preferred by some users seeking a tactile feedback, while others may lean towards the smoother, bouncier feel of the Lotus switch.
Overall, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Cherry MX Red switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they each provide a unique typing experience that appeals to various users. The Lotus switch delivers a bright sound with bouncy feedback, contrasting with the deeper, thocky auditory experience of the MX Red, which also incorporates a textured feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a lively auditory experience with a bouncy feel or a robust typing experience with a deeper sound and textured feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-heavy weight and a bright, resonant sound profile, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely the better fit for you. Its 62.5 grams of actuation force provides a satisfying bouncy feeling that makes every keystroke a delight, ideal for both typing and gaming. However, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper, thocky sound, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent choice. The MX Red's robust typing experience is complemented by its textured feedback, which some users find satisfying. Additionally, if you appreciate a low-pitched, rich auditory response, the MX Red will likely meet your expectations. In essence, choose the Lotus (Heavy) for a lively, bright experience and the MX Red for a deeper, more traditional typing sound.
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