HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to crafting the perfect typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch is crucial, and two outstanding linear switches to consider are the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Oil King (V2). The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that delivers an exhilarating, bouncy feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who crave a tactile and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is loved for its remarkably buttery smoothness and its deep, dark chocolate-like sound profile, which appeals to users seeking a more subdued and creamy typing sensation. While the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a more tactile and energetic response, the Oil King (V2) prioritizes smoothness and a luxurious, polished feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches exhibit striking similarities in their top housing materials, as both utilize nylon—a classic choice in switch design. This shared nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, attributed to nylon's softer composition which effectively absorbs sound waves. This absorption creates a sound that is duller and rounder compared to harder plastics, making the typing experience pleasant and acoustically rich for both switches. Hence, users can expect a comparable auditory performance from either switch when it comes to the tops, reinforcing a connection between the two models in terms of acoustic quality.
However, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches, leading to differences in sound and feel. The Lotus (Heavy) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, maintaining the full-bodied and rounded sound typical of nylon, which complements the characteristics of its top housing. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) employs a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing—characterized by a sharper, thinner, and more clacky sound profile. This material alters the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed, yielding a sharp contrast to the softer resonance provided by the Lotus (Heavy). Consequently, the overall typing feel and sound will be distinctly different, with the Lotus (Heavy) offering a more cohesive sound experience while the Oil King (V2) delivers a pronounced percussive feedback due to its unique bottom housing material.
The differentiation in bottom housing materials also means that the overall typing experiences will be affected based on which switch is being used. While both switches share similar sound profiles in their upper portions thanks to the nylon top, the variances in the bottom may sway the preference of users based on their sound and tactile preferences. In the case of the HMX Lotus (Heavy), users can enjoy a more harmonized sound throughout the keystroke cycle, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) offers a vibrant, lively experience with its clacky tones. Users looking for a consistent sound experience might favor the Lotus, while those seeking a sharper, more energetic typing feel might gravitate towards the Oil King, illustrating how even small differences in housing materials can have significant impacts on performance.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an identical actuation force of 55 grams, which means that users will experience the same resistance required to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without excessive strain. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction: the Lotus (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Oil King (V2) has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while the actuation feels the same, the Oil King (V2) provides a firmer resistance when bottoming out. As a result, the Lotus (Heavy) can be considered the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer a more relaxed typing experience, while the Oil King (V2)—with its heavier bottom out—caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys down completely.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lotus (Heavy) the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances can enhance quick key presses. In contrast, the Oil King (V2), with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: if you seek a quicker response time, the Lotus (Heavy) would be ideal, whereas if you enjoy a fuller key press, the Oil King (V2) would serve you better.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a bright, resonant noise that can energize your typing experience. This creates a lively auditory backdrop, enhancing the sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) presents a distinctly low-pitched and bassy sound profile, akin to the rich and mellow sound of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Together, these switches showcase contrasting auditory experiences: while the Lotus brings a brighter resonance, the Oil King offers a deeper, more grounded tone. Sound, of course, can vary significantly based on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so personal testing is recommended.
When considering feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a super bouncy sensation, weighing in at a medium-heavy 62.5g, which contributes to a typing experience that is dynamic and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is renowned for its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, resulting in a smooth, effortless glide across the keys. The Oil King’s polished finish, likely enhanced by factory lubing, ensures that each press is both satisfying and gentle on the fingers, contrasting with the tactile feedback of the Lotus. While both offer enjoyable experiences, the Lotus focuses on a bouncier action, while the Oil King centers around a slick, luxurious feel.
In summary, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Oil King (V2) switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Lotus adds a bright and resonant audio experience coupled with a lively, bouncy action, making it great for those who appreciate an engaging keystroke. Conversely, the Oil King excels in providing a deep, bassy sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, offering a silky and polished touch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal taste in sound and feel; both have strong merits that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a bouncy typing experience with medium-heavy actuation and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely the better fit for you. Its unique combination of weight and sound can make typing feel lively and engaging, making it an excellent option for both gaming and typing tasks where tactile feedback is key. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and creamy feel complemented by a deeper, bassy sound, the Oil King (V2) will serve you well. Its buttery smoothness and polished key travel make it particularly suited for long typing sessions and a quiet environment, where each keystroke feels effortless. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the energetic feel of the Lotus (Heavy) or the rich and smooth experience of the Oil King (V2).
Mentioned in this article
