HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Orange Sea stand out as excellent linear options, each offering distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a satisfying bouncy feel with each keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience, complemented by its bright, resonant sound. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and auditory stimulation while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches excel in delivering an impeccably smooth typing feel alongside a neutral sound signature, catering to users who prefer a quieter and more serene typing environment. Both switches have their unique appeal—whether you thrive on the lively response of the Lotus or the quiet smoothness of the Orange Sea. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Orange Sea present a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials. The top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) is made of nylon, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This fundamental difference in material directly affects the auditory feedback provided by each switch during typing. While the Lotus (Heavy) delivers a more subdued auditory reinforcement, the Orange Sea provides a vibrant acoustic clarity which particularly shines when utilized with RGB lighting, thanks to polycarbonate’s translucent properties.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a degree of consistency in terms of the overall sound profile they deliver upon key bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes similarly to the typing experience by absorbing more sound and generating a duller, rounder auditory sensation. This commonality means that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can still expect a cohesive deep sound quality during the key press phase. As such, the overall aural experience is modulated by the convergence of these bottom housing materials—a factor that mitigates the disparity contributed by the distinct top housing materials.
When typing on either switch, the interaction between the materials is key to the sound and feel experienced by the user. The nylon bottom housing's contribution to a fuller sound will remain constant across both models, while the top housing will dictate the initial sound when the key is released. This means that while the typing dynamics between the Lotus (Heavy) and the Orange Sea differ in sound output due to their respective top materials, the underlying characteristics provided by the nylon bottom housing help unify the overall experience in terms of acoustic depth. Ultimately, users can expect a unique sound profile tailored by the top housing while retaining the familiarity of a deeper audio feedback from the bottom housing, resulting in a nuanced yet cohesive typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their characteristics. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a heavier switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. This means that for users who prioritize a lighter feel, the Orange Sea is the clear choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push will lean towards the Lotus (Heavy). Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that allows for long-term comfort, the Haimu Orange Sea would be preferable, but if you desire more feedback from each keystroke, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a weightier experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Lotus measures 3.5 mm, while the Orange Sea comes in slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers who prioritize quick actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the Orange Sea, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a deeper keypress. While both switches are quite close in travel distance, the slight edge in depth with the Orange Sea suggests it may be better suited for users seeking a less abrupt typing experience. Overall, the Lotus (Heavy) is a better choice for those looking for enhanced speed, whereas the Orange Sea caters to individuals who prefer a more traditional depth in their switch feel.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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) linear switch stands out with its bright, resonant character that gives off a more pronounced acoustic profile during key presses. This vibrant sound can create an engaging typing experience, adding an auditory pleasure to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a more neutral sound signature, which contributes to a quieter experience overall. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Lotus switch’s resonant quality might be preferred by those who enjoy a livelier sound while typing or gaming.
When considering feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a super bouncy sensation due to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. This bounce can enhance the tactile feedback, allowing typists and gamers to experience a delightful push-and-release sensation. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel, which may appeal to users who prioritize a seamless and effortless keypress without the added firmness of a heavier switch. The contrast in their tactile responses may cater to different preferences, with the Lotus focusing on a lively bounce and the Orange Sea on fluidity.
In summary, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch delivers a bright, resonant sound along with a bouncy and responsive keystroke feel, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a more neutral sound with an impressively smooth typing experience. While both switches present their own unique qualities, they cater to different user preferences—those who favor a lively, engaging sound and feel may gravitate towards the Lotus, while those who enjoy a quiet and smooth typing experience might find the Orange Sea to be more appealing. Ultimately, these differences ensure that whichever switch is chosen, the typing experience can be tailored to individual preferences and styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a firmer, more pronounced keystroke with a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely your best choice. Its medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying bounce with each press, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, whether for gaming or extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more effortless keystroke, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its bottom-out force of just 45 grams, would be more suitable for you. This switch offers an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound, making it a great option for quieter environments or prolonged typing where reduced finger fatigue is a priority. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal comfort level and the specific characteristics you value most in your keyboard experience.
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