HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the contrasts between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5 grams, delivering a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feeling that turns every keystroke into a delightful experience, making it a great option for those who appreciate tactile feedback and an engaging typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black shines in quieter environments, offering a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal auditory feedback, which is ideal for users who want an undisturbed typing experience while working or gaming. With these qualities in mind, one might gravitate towards the Lotus for its satisfying acoustics and bounciness or lean towards the Silent Ink Black for its muted elegance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, it becomes clear that they are constructed from fundamentally different materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, a classic and softer plastic known for its sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, characterized as duller and rounder. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black employs Gateron’s proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which gives the switches a more pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is both satisfying and clacky. The choice of materials is pivotal; nylon’s softness enhances sound dampening, while the INK blend promotes a sharper auditory experience.
The implications of the different materials extend beyond just acoustics; they affect the overall typing experience as well. With the Lotus (Heavy), the nylon housings lead to a more muted sound when keys are released, creating a soundscape that some users may find more pleasant for prolonged typing. The deeper, fuller sounds can provide a sense of comfort and stability. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's INK blend caters to users who prefer a livelier sound that is crisp and engaging, appealing to those who enjoy the auditory feedback provided by clacky keystrokes. Thus, the housing materials not only dictate the switches’ sound profiles but also influence the tactile and auditory feedback experienced by the user.
However, both switches are designed to provide satisfactory results tailored to different user preferences. Despite the fundamental differences in material, typing on both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Silent Ink Black can yield enjoyable experiences. The Lotus (Heavy), with its nylon construction, offers a unique deep sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend provides a lively clack. Those who prefer the qualities of softer materials might gravitate towards the Lotus (Heavy) for its cushioning effect, while users seeking a more vibrant sound will likely favor the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between them involves personal preference in sound and feel, and both serve their intended purpose of enhancing the typing experience in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we note some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) switches have an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making them slightly lighter than the Silent Ink Black, which features a 60-gram actuation force and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Lotus switch is more forgiving on the fingers during long typing sessions or extended gaming, catering well to users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial push feel, which some users might find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. Overall, those who lean towards a lighter switch for ease during extended use might favor the Lotus (Heavy), while those desiring a stronger tactile feedback might prefer the Silent Ink Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black measures 4 mm. This makes the HMX Lotus (Heavy) the shorter of the two switches, providing a slightly more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who prioritize rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a longer travel distance, which can deliver a deeper and more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more traditional feel. Thus, users looking for a quicker response might opt for the Lotus (Heavy), whereas those favoring a more pronounced depth might find the Silent Ink Black more appealing.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 produces a bright, resonant tone that is characteristic of many linear switches, contributing to a lively auditory experience during typing. This type of sound can be enjoyable for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a distinctly muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where quieter typing is essential, allowing you to type without disturbing others around you. The differences in sound between these two switches are quite stark, making the Lotus ideal for users who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback while the Silent Ink caters to those who prefer a more subdued experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is known for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation that enhances the tactile experience with each keystroke. This can create a sense of engagement while typing, as the weight contributes to the overall dynamics of key presses. The Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. With reduced resistance, these switches allow for effortless key travel, making long typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable. While the Lotus (Heavy) focuses on providing a heavier, more tactile feedback experience, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes smoothness and fluidity, appealing to different preferences regarding typing sensations.
Overall, both switches bring unique qualities to the table catering to different types of users. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) excels in providing a lively sound and a bouncy feel, which might attract those who enjoy a more engaging experience. Alternatively, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a quiet, pillowy typing experience that is smooth and refined, making it suitable for quieter environments. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but the choice ultimately comes down to whether you value auditory feedback or a muted, silky touch when typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing conditions. If you enjoy a switch that delivers a bouncy, almost invigorating feel with a bit of auditory feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) is a great choice. Its medium-heavy resistance of 62.5 grams is well-suited for those who want a tactile yet satisfying typing experience, making it perfect for general use, gaming, or even for a touch of flair in a more open environment. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience—whether for late-night work sessions, shared spaces, or simply a preference for minimal noise—the Silent Ink Black switch is the way to go. Its heavier bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a solid feedback feel while maintaining a beautifully muted sound profile, ensuring you can type efficiently without disturbing those around you. In essence, consider your noise tolerance and typing dynamics when making your choice—both switches have unique strengths that cater to different needs in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Mentioned in this article
