HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel that turns every keystroke into a pleasurable experience. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile feedback combined with an audible click, enhancing both typing enjoyment and a sense of engagement. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a quieter typing experience, characterized by its light 53g bottom-out force that delivers gentle yet satisfying keystrokes—perfect for late-night typing sessions without disturbing others. While both switches fall under the linear category, catering to different tactile preferences, they each bring unique qualities that can significantly impact your 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g share a key similarity in their top housing materials, as both utilize nylon. This choice of material is significant as nylon is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Since both switches feature nylon at the top, users can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing the keys. The softer texture of nylon is known to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder tonal quality that minimizes harsh acoustics, making both switches appealing for those who prefer a muted typing experience.
However, the differences between the two switches become apparent in their bottom housing materials. The Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing, continuing the trend of warmth and depth in sound, while the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffer characteristics, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This inherent difference implies that while the top housing creates a similar auditory texture, the bottom housing in the Silent Sakura will contribute a contrasting clarity and resonance to the sound output, differentiating the overall sound experience between the two switches.
In summary, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provide a harmonious sound quality through their nylon top housing, their bottom housings lead to a divergence in auditory outcome. Users can expect a consistent subdued acoustic character when typing on both switches due to the nylon material at the top. However, the unique polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura introduces a crispness that is absent in the heavier, deeper sound profile produced by the Lotus (Heavy). Hence, the differences in the bottom housing materials create a distinct typing experience, making each switch suitable for different preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Silent Sakura - 53g has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) may be more appealing, providing a firmer push back with each keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g will be more comfortable for those who favor a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. Overall, the Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier switch, whereas the Silent Sakura - 53g is the lighter option, resulting in a distinctly different tactile experience between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g sports a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional option. Consequently, gamers who prefer quicker response times may lean toward the Lotus for its more immediate feedback, while those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when typing or gaming might opt for the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a more responsive experience or a greater depth with each keystroke.
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 - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that can be quite lively, giving each keystroke an audibly satisfying presence. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, creating a vibrant atmosphere as the sound resonates in the surroundings. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a notably quieter experience, akin to the gentle sound of raindrops. This whisper-quiet operation makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized, allowing for efficient typing without disturbing others around you. The resultant soundscape of each switch reflects their respective driving design ideologies; while the Lotus enhances the auditory experience with resonance, the Silent Sakura prioritizes discretion.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a super bouncy sensation under your fingers, thanks to its higher actuation force of 62.5g. This weight contributes to a more controlled and deliberate typing experience, making it a satisfying choice for users who enjoy a heavier, more tactile interaction. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced feel that is lighter at the point of actuation, providing a comfortable yet satisfying keystroke that typists can enjoy over extended periods. The tactile variations highlight the ergonomic preferences of different users; the Lotus embraces a robust feel while the Silent Sakura fosters a gentler touch.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to distinct preferences in both sound and feel. The Lotus switch's resonant and bouncy characteristics offer a lively typing experience that emphasizes auditory feedback, whereas the Silent Sakura's peaceful, light touch promotes a stealthy and smooth keystroke ideal for quieter settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to individual needs—whether one seeks the vibrant sound and robust feel of the Lotus or the subtlety and comfort of the Silent Sakura.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing environment. If you value a more substantial keystroke and enjoy a bouncy, satisfying feel with a slight audio presence, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the way to go. Its bottom-out force of 62.5 grams gives it a weightier feel, making it ideal for those who might prefer a firmer resistance while typing or gaming. The bright, resonant sound emitted by these switches adds character to your keystrokes, enhancing the tactile experience in a lively setting. Conversely, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and prefer softer keystrokes, then the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g would suit you better. Its medium-light 53-gram bottom-out force is perfect for extended typing sessions, especially in shared or quiet environments, where minimizing noise is essential. With its whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of raindrops tapping against a window, you'll find the Silent Sakura to be both pleasant and unobtrusive. In essence, choose the Lotus (Heavy) for a bolder and more dynamic experience, and opt for the Silent Sakura if you favor subtle elegance and tranquility.
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