HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly affect your typing experience and overall performance. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), a linear switch known for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offers a delightful bouncing sensation with each keystroke, complemented by a bright and resonant sound. This makes it an enticing choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback and an audible response. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver, also a linear switch, stands out with its all-POM construction and short travel distance, allowing for lightning-fast actuation. Users who prefer a feather-light touch alongside a thocky sound will find the Smoothie Silver to be exceptionally satisfying. While both switches cater to different preferences within the linear category, they each bring unique attributes to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top and bottom housing, noted for its deep and rich sonic characteristics. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a fuller and rounder auditory experience. This quality allows for a more muted and resonant typing sound, which many users appreciate for its satisfying and cushioned feel. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie Silver opts for a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which also aims for a deep sound profile but emphasizes a different nuance. POM is known for its smoothness and durability, offering a unique and pleasing auditory experience that skews towards a slightly sharper yet still muted sound.
While both switches aim to produce a deeper sound, their distinctive materials lead to contrasting auditory experiences. The Lotus (Heavy) with its nylon housing radiates warmth in sound, which is attributed to its sound-absorbing properties. This is especially noticeable when bottoming out, where the nylon housing dampens the impact noise. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's POM housing still provides a deep sound but incorporates a more crisp delivery, allowing for a nuanced contrast in how the auditory feedback is perceived. The POM material has a slightly harder feel when pressed, which influences the acoustic characteristics, making the release of the key sound more pronounced compared to the softer nylon of the Lotus.
Despite their differences, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience with a focus on sound quality. If a user were to employ both switches in their keyboard, they would find that similar characteristics emerge in terms of producing a deep typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound in the Lotus (Heavy) will resonate with the Smoothie Silver’s ability to produce a pleasing sound upon key release, creating an overlap in user satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to preference in tactile feedback or slight variations in acoustic delivery, but both switches provide a robust foundation for high-quality typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge, particularly appealing to different preferences in typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, promoting easier key presses that are ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unspecified, making a direct comparison for that measurement impossible. Consequently, those who prefer a more tactile, substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier Lotus switch, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Smoothie Silver, albeit without knowing the full range of its force profile.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch reveals a slight difference between the two. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie Silver features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch that allows for quicker key presses, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) provides a more profound key press experience, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you value the responsiveness of a shorter travel distance or the heartier feel of a longer one.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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, resonant tone that stands out with each keystroke, creating an engaging auditory experience. This can make the typing experience feel lively and dynamic, especially when combined with the right keycaps and keyboard case. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch emits a thocky sound that is more muted and deep compared to the Lotus. This sound profile is more subdued, giving it a softer acoustic presence while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate. Ultimately, both switches have unique sound signatures, and your choice may depend on whether you prefer the lively resonance of the Lotus or the subdued thock of the Smoothie Silver.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, resulting in a super bouncy sensation that can make each keystroke feel energetic and responsive. This heavier actuation can be appealing for those who prefer a more robust typing experience that requires a bit more effort but rewards with satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is characterized by its feather-light touch and short travel distance, allowing for ultra-fast actuation. This smoothness creates an effortless and swift typing experience, ideal for those looking for speed in their keystrokes. Thus, the Lotus provides a more substantial feel, while the Smoothie Silver allows for rapid engagement, catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound and a satisfying medium-heavy weight for an energetic feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch presents a thocky sound and a feather-light touch that allows for effortless typing. Both switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, and your selection between them should reflect your personal preferences for typing dynamics and sound profiles. Whether you prioritize the bounce and resonance of the Lotus or the smoothness and speed of the Smoothie Silver, you can expect both switches to deliver a quality typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a satisfying weight to your keystrokes, the Lotus (Heavy) will be ideal for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams provides a firm yet responsive feel, allowing you to engage with the keyboard in a way that feels deliberate and controlled. Additionally, the bright, resonant sound adds character to your typing experience, making every keystroke enjoyable, especially if you appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for an ultra-fast, competitive edge in gaming or prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is the perfect fit. Its feather-light actuation combined with a short travel distance allows for rapid inputs, making it a favorite for gamers who require quick and precise actions. The smoothness of the Smoothie Silver, complemented by a thocky sound, enhances the typing experience without any additional resistance. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prefer the weighty satisfaction and resonance of the Lotus (Heavy) or the speedy precision and smoothness of the Smoothie Silver.
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