HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. Two popular options on the market are the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Neo White, both linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is designed with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, coupled with a bright and resonant sound that many typists find delightful. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White offers a slightly more moderate weight and reduced total travel, characterized by a smooth actuation facilitated by its rare Ly stem. This provides a distinctive yet neutral typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Lotus prioritizing bounce and auditory feedback, while the Neo White excels in smoothness and subtlety. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Neo White, it’s clear that they employ different materials for their top components but share a commonality in their bottom housings. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, while the Neo White is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing. The softer texture of nylon in the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, leading to a typing experience that resonates with warmth and dampened acoustics. In contrast, the Neo White’s polycarbonate top housing is inherently stiffer and promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This distinction in material design results in a divergent auditory experience; while the Lotus (Heavy) user might appreciate the subdued character of their keystrokes, a user of the Neo White can expect more clarity and brightness in the sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Neo White utilize nylon, a classic material that is known for producing a deeper sound profile. This similarity means that despite the difference in the upper sections of the switches, both models will share the rich auditory qualities attributed to nylon. The impact of the bottom housing is significant, as it contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes. Therefore, users of both switches will experience that characteristic rounded sound profile when bottoming out, regardless of the contrasting top materials. This common ground highlights nylon's enduring popularity in switch design, providing a familiar tactile and auditory feedback for both products.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches leads to a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its nylon top housing, may appeal to those who favor a fuller, rounded sound, while the Haimu Neo White's polycarbonate top will attract users seeking a crisper auditory response. However, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing, both switches maintain some level of acoustic similarity, particularly in the deeper tones they produce upon key bottoming out. This blend of materials allows for diverse sound profiles while still delivering a consistent foundation, ensuring that users have options tailored to their specific auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find some notable differences in their force specifications. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which positions it as a medium force switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Neo White's actuation force is unknown, while its bottom out force is recorded at 58 grams, also medium. Given that the Lotus (Heavy) has a defined actuation force, it is important to note that users may experience a more consistent typing feel with it compared to the Neo White, where the actuation force details remain unspecified. In terms of weight, the Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer push feel, while the Neo White might cater to users who enjoy a lighter switch feel if its actuation force aligns with their preferences. Therefore, for longer typing sessions or gaming, the heavier Lotus (Heavy) might offer a more robust experience, while those leaning towards lighter switches may find the Neo White appealing, pending its actuation details.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find that the Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Neo White offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel during typing or gaming, the Lotus (Heavy) would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, making it suitable for those who favor quicker response times. In contrast, the Neo White may be more appealing for users who enjoy a more traditional depth, as its longer travel distance provides a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches are relatively close in distance, so the difference may not be highly noticeable, but it can influence the overall typing experience depending on individual preferences.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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) linear switch boasts a bright and resonant quality that sets it apart from many other switches. This vibrant sound profile, coupled with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, creates an auditory experience that can energize typing sessions and make key presses feel more engaging. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a more neutral sound profile, striking a balance with a moderate actuation force requirement. This typical sound makes it suitable for a wide range of use cases, whether in a quiet home office or a bustling workplace. Although the Lotus switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience, users of both switches will likely enjoy satisfying results, albeit with different auditory textures.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a notably bouncy feedback that adds a delightful springiness to each keystroke. This energetic characteristic makes typing feel incredibly responsive and engaging, which can appeal to those who prefer a lively tactile experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing feel, providing a gentler experience that is approachable and user-friendly. Its reduced total travel combined with the smooth actuation offered by the Ly stem creates a satisfying typing surface that, while not as exuberant as the Lotus, still aims to provide comfort and ease. Thus, while the Lotus switch feels geared for those who thrive on springy and vibrant feedback, the Neo White caters to those who appreciate a smoother, more laid-back typing experience.
In summary, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch excels in producing a bright and resonant sound paired with an incredibly bouncy feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a more neutral sound paired with a mild, smooth typing feel that can accommodate a diverse range of users. Both switches have their distinct charms, with the Lotus prioritizing vibrancy and responsiveness while the Neo White emphasizes approachability and smoothness. As such, your ultimate choice may come down to personal preference—whether you favor the energetic character of the Lotus or the gentle reliability of the Neo White.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you are deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience that offers a bit of extra resistance, along with a bright and resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) with its 62.5g actuation force is likely to be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy weight makes it suitable for typists who appreciate feedback in the form of a slightly higher actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more consistently gentle typing feel with slightly less effort required for actuation, the Neo White may be your ideal choice. Its 58g actuation force combined with the unique Ly stem ensures a satisfying yet mild experience, making it a versatile switch for both work and leisure. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize that energetic bounciness of the Lotus (Heavy) or the smooth, approachable nature of the Neo White.
Mentioned in this article
