HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Bsun Ragdoll are both linear switches, but they offer distinctive characteristics appealing to different types of users. The Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, coupled with a bright and resonant sound, which contributes to a bouncy and tactile keystroke that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a unique Y3 stem that ensures smooth travel and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that delivers a distinctly clacky sound. While the Lotus (Heavy) is ideal for those who enjoy a snappy and responsive feel, the Ragdoll caters to users who appreciate a smoother keystroke with an emphasis on auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Ragdoll both utilize nylon as their housing material, which establishes a foundational similarity in their design. The use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings in these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily because nylon is a softer plastic compared to alternatives. This softness plays a crucial role in sound absorption; nylon tends to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic signature. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a consistent auditory experience characterized by lower, more resonant sound when typing, whether utilizing the Lotus (Heavy) or the Ragdoll.
Despite the physical differences that may arise from variations in the design of the top and bottom housings, the shared nylon composition allows for similar acoustic and tactile outcomes across both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Ragdoll. The sound characteristics produced when pressing down on the switches will exhibit the effects of the bottom housing, with its influence pronounced during the bottom-out phase of typing. Meanwhile, the top housing will steer the sound dynamics as the key is released, providing a cohesive and balanced typing experience in both cases. Thus, any differences would manifest more in the specific design elements rather than in the overall typing experience.
However, it is important to note that the presence of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the nuances introduced through alternative materials would not be present in either switch. Therefore, while the exact thickness or molding of the housings may differ, the fundamental sound and feel initiated by the nylon remains constant in deriving softer acoustic responses. Users opting for either the HMX Lotus (Heavy) or the Bsun Ragdoll can anticipate a similar sensory experience rooted in the material properties of nylon, establishing both switches as reliable choices for a dulcet typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Ragdoll provides a lighter experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the Ragdoll the lighter switch, appealing to those who favor a less taxing typing experience for prolonged usage, such as during long workdays or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier Lotus switch may be more suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, as its increased forces offer a stronger push. Thus, while both switches provide a medium typing experience, their differing actuation and bottom out forces cater to distinct preferences in user experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Ragdoll switch offers a deeper key press, which may appeal to users who appreciate a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch can provide quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers who prefer faster keystrokes. Overall, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more responsive feel, whereas the Ragdoll allows for a more substantial key press, emphasizing the balance between speed and depth in switch selection.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 has a bright, resonant quality that can add an engaging auditory experience to typing, producing a pronounced tone with each keystroke. This creates a lively atmosphere, especially in a quieter setting. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch delivers a clacky sound profile, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This characteristic can give a more textural auditory feedback, making it stand out in terms of richness and character during use. Ultimately, the sound experience will be influenced not just by the switches themselves, but also by the choice of keyboard, plate material, and keycaps used in conjunction with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g that results in a super bouncy sensation, making each press feel responsive and satisfying. This switch is likely to provide a tactile pleasure that encourages typists to enjoy longer sessions without fatigue. The Ragdoll linear switch emphasizes smooth travel with its Y3 stem, which ensures that each key press glides seamlessly, promoting a fluid typing experience. Both switches aim to enhance comfort and performance, yet the Lotus embodies a heavier and more springy feel, while the Ragdoll focuses on an effortless keystroke.
Combining the sound and feel characteristics of these two switches reveals distinct experiences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) leans toward a bright and resonant sound paired with a bouncy tactile experience, making every keystroke enjoyable and engaging. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch provides a clacky auditory feedback with its smoother actuation, catering to those who prioritize seamless key travel. While both switches offer unique qualities, they each have the potential to satisfy different preferences for users exploring the vast world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a firmer keystroke with a bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound, then the Lotus (Heavy) switch may be your ideal option. Its 62.5-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer more tactile feedback. This switch is especially suited for typists who enjoy a bit more weight in their keystrokes and want to emphasize auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and smooth travel, the Bsun Ragdoll switch, with its 52-gram bottom-out force, could be the better fit. The nylon-fiberglass housing and Y3 stem contribute to a smoother keystroke experience and a unique clack sound that might appeal more to gamers or those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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