HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and vibrant, resonant sound that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and bouncy typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear boasts an innovative design that minimizes noise with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still providing a clacky bottom-out. This switch offers a silky smooth feel without being overly polished, appealing to typists who prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—whether you favor the engaging sound and weight of the Lotus (Heavy) or the near-silent yet responsive nature of the Semi-Silent Linear. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilize different materials in their top housings, which significantly influences the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, recognized for its capacity to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, providing a pleasant auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer nature. This material generates a sharper, crisper sound profile, adding clarity to each keystroke. The aesthetic aspect also differentiates them, as polycarbonate's translucency allows it to enhance RGB lighting effects, making it ideal for users seeking illuminated keyboards.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the situation becomes notably different. Both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This choice means that both switches will produce a similar deeper and fuller sound profile during the actuation phase, as both contain the same softer plastic that dampens sound. Therefore, while the Lotus (Heavy) achieves its sound signature primarily due to the nylon top, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom ensures that users experience a familiar sound quality when bottoming out, even with its contrasting top housing.
Ultimately, the unique combination of housing materials in each switch creates a diverse typing experience. While the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a consistent sound experience driven by its nylon top and bottom housing, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provides an interesting blend of sound profiles, with a crisp top-end from its polycarbonate upper and the warm fullness from its nylon base. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate toward one switch over the other, favoring either the rich sound of the Lotus or the clear articulation of the Semi-Silent Linear while still enjoying that underlying familiar depth provided by the nylon in both bottom housings.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation forces while having similar bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, which requires a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly; however, its bottom out force of 62 grams is slightly lower than that of the Lotus (Heavy), which bottoms out at 62.5 grams. The Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, making it potentially less suitable for extended typing sessions for those who favor lighter switches. This weight difference suggests that typists looking for a more tactile feel might lean towards the Lotus (Heavy), while those who prefer a softer touch may not explicitly benefit from the Semi-Silent Linear given its unknown actuation force. Overall, the preference for weight and force will ultimately depend on individual typing habits and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, rendering it the longer switch. These specifications suggest that users who favor a quicker response and a more tactile experience might appreciate the HMX Lotus due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper, more intentional keystroke may lean towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches can significantly influence typing and gaming experiences based on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a bright, resonant quality that can create an engaging auditory feedback with every keystroke. This can contribute to an immersive typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic presence while they work or game. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more nuanced sound experience. It has a subdued topping-out noise coupled with a clacky bottom-out sound, presenting a well-balanced auditory profile. While it isn’t completely silent, its semi-silent nature makes it more versatile for various environments, making it suitable for both quieter office settings and more boisterous gaming sessions.
When considering feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) exhibits a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a super bouncy experience that makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive. This spring-like quality adds a level of satisfaction during use, particularly for typists who prefer a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its mild and snappy characteristics, which provide a gentle yet responsive typing experience. The buttery and polished nature of this switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring that each tap is effortless and enjoyable. Together, these feel characteristics cater to slightly different preferences, with the Lotus providing a more robust touch while the Jwick offers smooth consistency.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Lotus is favored for its engaging auditory experience and bouncy responsiveness, making it great for those who love a dynamic typing sensation. In contrast, the Jwick switch bridges the gap between sound and feel with its quieter operation and smooth execution, appealing to users wanting a more refined experience. Depending on what aspects are prioritized—auditory feedback or a gentle, polished feel—both switches can offer highly satisfying results, albeit in differing ways.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you gravitate towards a more tactile and vibrant typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) may be your best bet. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams delivers a satisfying, bouncy feel that makes every keystroke delightful, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent choice. With a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out, it balances discretion and feedback quite well, providing a smooth and gentle feel that makes it approachable for various settings, whether at home or in a shared workspace. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value a more expressive sound and feel or prefer a more muted and subtle keyboard experience while typing.
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