HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g stand out as compelling options for different typists. The Lotus (Heavy), with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offers a tactile experience characterized by a bright, resonant sound and a delightful bounce in every keystroke, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed specifically for those who favor a quiet environment; its ultra-light 43g actuation force allows for smooth, gentle keystrokes that produce a whisper-quiet experience akin to raindrops on a window. While the Lotus excels in providing an engaging and robust feel for heavier typists, the Silent Sakura caters to those who prioritize tranquility and subtlety in their typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g exhibit notable similarities in their top housings, both utilizing nylon as their primary material. This choice is significant because nylon's qualities lend a unique acoustic profile to typing experiences. Both switches are characterized by a deeper and fuller sound when engaged, owing to the softer nature of nylon, which dampens sound vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a certain degree of auditory and tactile consistency when typing on either switch, thanks to their shared nylon top housing, which contributes a muted and rounded sound profile that many users find pleasing for extended typing sessions.
Contrasting the bottom housings of these two switches reveals a key difference in their materials. The Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing, which aligns with the traits found in its top housing, promoting a cohesive dampened sound throughout the switch's activation. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound signature. Polycarbonate’s stiffer characteristics allow it to resonate differently, resulting in a sound profile that is more clear and bright. This variance in the bottom housing material creates distinct auditory experiences; while both switches can provide a satisfying typing feel, the Silent Sakura will likely offer a more pronounced tactile feedback and auditory clarity upon bottoming out due to the polycarbonate's properties.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura - 43g allows it to stand apart from the HMX Lotus (Heavy). However, this differentiation showcases how the qualities of each housing material interact with the overall typing experience. While the nylon components maintain a consistent sound profile across the switches, the varying bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out noise and feel distinctly. Users seeking a softer, more rounded auditory experience may gravitate toward the Lotus (Heavy), while those who prefer a sharper, more resonant typing sound might lean towards the Silent Sakura - 43g. In essence, both switches cater to different preferences, demonstrating how material choices can significantly influence the performance and feel of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has a significantly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a heavier option that provides a more substantial typing experience; this could be preferable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is ideal for users who tire easily or prefer a low-effort keystroke for longer typing sessions. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the Silent Sakura is undoubtedly the lighter choice, while the Lotus provides a heavier, more tactile experience. Given these differences, users will experience varying levels of effort when pressing keys, which could influence their overall typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Lotus offering a shorter distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 4 mm of the Silent Sakura. This means that if you opt for the HMX Lotus, you'll experience a more responsive keypress, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, as it provides a deeper engagement with each keypress. The choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference: for those who like snappy feedback, the Lotus may be the better option, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth should consider the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 produces a bright and resonant tone that adds a lively character to each keystroke. This auditory quality can provide satisfying feedback for users who enjoy the acoustic aspect of typing. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g emphasizes a virtually silent typing experience, akin to the soothing sound of gentle raindrops. Its design is focused on minimizing noise, making it ideal for environments where discretion is paramount. Overall, if you prefer an audible typing experience that highlights each strike, the Lotus (Heavy) will deliver excitement, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who prioritize a quiet demeanor.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a super bouncy sensation thanks to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. This switch will tend to provide a reassuring resistance that feels engaging and responsive, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer touch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, promoting a more relaxed and effortless typing experience. This lighter actuation is excellent for users who prefer a softer feel, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Silent Sakura switches cater to distinct preferences among typists, one with an emphasis on audible engagement and a bouncy feel, and the other designed for whisper-quiet operation and a lighter touch. Depending on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch may offer an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that you can find a match that works well for your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams, the Lotus (Heavy) may be your ideal pick. This switch is recognized for its bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound, making it particularly fitting for those who derive joy from a pronounced, satisfying keystroke. It's also a solid option if you often type in a more traditional or dedicated space where noticeable keystrokes are acceptable or appreciated. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter workspace or find yourself typing lightly, the Silent Sakura - 43g is likely the better choice for you. With its whisper-quiet operation and lighter 43-gram actuation force, this switch is tailored for comfort and discretion, making it perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is key. Ultimately, assessing your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard will lead you to the best switch for your needs.
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