HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch each offer unique advantages catering to different typing preferences. The Lotus (Heavy), with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, is celebrated for its bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a satisfying typing sensation that many users find exhilarating, accompanied by a snappy audio profile that enhances feedback during use. While the Lotus caters to gamers and typists seeking fluidity and speed, the Polaris appeals to those desiring tactile feedback for improved typing accuracy and a more dynamic feel. 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
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it's notable that both switches leverage the unique acoustic properties of their respective materials, nylon and polycarbonate. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound profile characterized by depth and fullness. This is largely due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder audio experience. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer composition. This material enhances sound clarity and delivers a more resonant auditory experience, making each keystroke feel distinctly different in terms of acoustics.
The contrasting materials evoke notable differences in user experience beyond sound. In the case of the Lotus (Heavy), the consistent use of nylon across both housings ensures a uniformity in depth and richness, creating a cohesive typing feel and auditory feedback. Users of the Lotus can expect a more muted and subdued keystroke reaction, which some may find soothing or more enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate construction imparts a more lively and reactive typing experience, as the sharpness of the material transmits keystrokes more directly to the user’s fingertips. This makes typing on the Polaris Purple inherently different from the more subdued Lotus (Heavy), catering to varying preferences among typists.
Despite these differences, both switches can achieve similar results in terms of functionality and performance. Though the sound profiles are notably distinct, a user’s overall experience can be influenced heavily by the switch's design and mechanism. If someone enjoys the typing feel of one switch, they might find components of that feel replicated in the other switch, albeit through a different auditory experience. If RGB lighting is a consideration, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple enhances the visual appeal without sacrificing sound quality, while the solid color of the nylon in the Lotus (Heavy) may not have the same visually striking effect but maintains a consistent acoustic footprint. Ultimately, both switches excel in their realms, showcasing the unique qualities of their respective housing materials while still providing a satisfactory typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as medium in terms of resistance. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Purple does not specify an actuation force, while its bottom out force is recorded at 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. As a result, we can conclude that the HMX Lotus is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, ideal for users who prefer less strain on their fingers. Meanwhile, the Polaris Purple, with its heavier bottom out force, is likely to appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, these differences highlight the preferences that different users may have regarding switch weight and feedback when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Polaris Purple offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) provides a slightly shorter and more responsive keypress, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Conversely, the Polaris Purple, with its longer travel distance, can deliver a more substantial tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In summary, if you favor quick response and a lighter touch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) may be the ideal choice, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple could be more appealing for those who appreciate a deeper push.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its bright and resonant auditory feedback that distinguishes it from other switches. This lively sound adds an energizing element to typing, contributing to an engaging experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch presents a more neutral sound profile, offering a balanced moderate sound that makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While the Lotus’s sound might be more pronounced and lively, the Polaris Purple's snappy disposition can still provide an enjoyable acoustic experience without overwhelming the user.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a super bouncy sensation, thanks to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. This switch type encourages a more dynamic typing experience, often making each keystroke feel rewarding and responsive. The Polaris Purple, however, leans toward a milder tactile experience with its prominent tactile bump that gives an exhilarating, yet approachable feedback. It is polished, ensuring a smooth and refined feel as the keys travel down with reduced friction. This blend of tactile and polished qualities makes the Polaris Purple a more user-friendly option, especially for those who want good feedback without being too aggressive or heavy.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches cater to different preferences, offering unique qualities in sound and feel. The Lotus stands out with its bright sound and bouncy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing environment. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's neutral sound and polished, mild tactile feedback provide a more versatile experience suitable for a broader audience. While their subjective qualities might differ, each switch can deliver satisfying results depending on the individual user’s preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches really hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a super bouncy typing experience and appreciate a brighter, resonant sound profile, then the Lotus (Heavy) would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions without causing excessive strain, while the tactile feedback remains smooth and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you favor a more engaging tactile experience with a pronounced bump on each keystroke, the Polaris Purple switches would be the way to go. With their medium-heavy force of 67 grams, they provide a snappy feel that makes every stroke feel impactful, perfect for both typing and gaming. Furthermore, if you're looking for a neutral and approachable sound profile, the Polaris Purple's mild characteristics make them versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the overall experience you seek in using your keyboard.
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