HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Dareu Snow offer two intriguing linear options, each appealing to different preferences in typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, is renowned for its bright, resonant sound profile and a distinctly bouncy feel that enhances the pleasure of each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback combined with auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow sets itself apart with its innovative POK material construction, resulting in a deeper, thocky sound that many typists enjoy. This switch is celebrated for its smoothness and neutral tone, providing a contrasting experience that may suit those who prioritize a quieter typing environment without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their own unique character and can significantly influence the feel of your keyboard, but 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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 Dareu Snow both utilize nylon for their bottom housing materials, which provides a consistent acoustic profile characterized by deep and fuller sound when keys are pressed. The softness of nylon contributes significantly to this sound quality, as it absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. Users can expect a somewhat muted and rounded auditory experience from both switches, making the bottom housing of these models conducive to a quieter typing environment. This shared aspect of their materials suggests that users who prioritize sound dampening and a smooth, deep typing feel will find common ground between the two switches in terms of their bottom housing performance.
In contrast, the top housing materials diverge significantly. The Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon, known for its acoustic dampening qualities, while the Dareu Snow utilizes POK, a more durable and smooth alternative. The POK material's attributes, including a greater wear and shock resistance as well as a lower coefficient of friction, contribute to a more responsive and clacky sound when keys are released. Consequently, while the bottom housings of both models present similar acoustic characteristics, the performance of the switches is likely to differ at the moment of actuation and release. Users seeking a snappier and more tactile response when typing may prefer the Dareu Snow's POK top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of both housing materials in each switch creates distinct tactile and auditory experiences. While the Lotus (Heavy) maintains a cohesive nylon feel and sound profile from top to bottom, the Dareu Snow presents a unique blend of nyon and POK that enhances durability and sound clarity during key release. Users may find that these differences lead to varied typing experiences; those who gravitate towards the deep, muted sounds may enjoy the Lotus, whereas those looking for a more responsive and clacky profile might favor the Snow. Thus, while both switches share a nylon bottom housing for consistent sound, the top housing choices reflect a clear contrast in design philosophy, impacting the overall usability and feel of each switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch exhibit some differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) requires a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams, making the Snow a lighter option for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Lotus (Heavy) is 62.5 grams, which is also greater than the Snow's 60 grams. This indicates that while both switches fall within a medium range, the Lotus (Heavy) provides a more pronounced, heavier feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, for users looking for a lighter and smoother response during extended use, the Dareu Snow is the better choice, whereas those seeking a firmer key feel may gravitate towards the HMX Lotus (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Lotus features a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This slight difference means that users of the Lotus switch may experience a more pronounced key press, potentially providing a deeper feedback that some users prefer. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Snow switch offers a quicker response time, which can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking faster actuation. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, you might lean towards the Snow switch, but if you appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) would be a better choice.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 quality that stands out during use, creating a lively auditory experience with each keystroke. This crisp sound profile is enjoyable for users who appreciate an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch delivers a deeper sound signature, characterized as thocky with rich, satisfying tones that evoke a soft "knock" when pressed. This low-pitched nature provides a more mellow auditory experience, ideal for those who prefer a sound that feels more grounded and subdued while typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a super bouncy sensation with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, enhancing the tactile feedback and making keystrokes feel exhilarating and lively. This buoyant feedback promotes a dynamic typing experience that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is also bouncy, providing a spring-like rebound that creates a playful interaction with each press. While both switches are bouncy, the Lotus leans into a medium-heavy tactile feedback, whereas the Snow's responsiveness may feel slightly softer due to its design.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Dareu Snow switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, yet they both offer enjoyable typing experiences in their own right. The Lotus provides bright and resonant sounds with an engaging bouncy feel, while the Snow emphasizes a deeper tone coupled with its own kind of lively rebound. Ultimately, users can choose between a more high-pitched, energetic sound and a low-pitched, satisfying thockiness, with both options offering considerable tactile responsiveness and enjoyable feedback in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches and Dareu Snow linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a slightly heavier feel with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely the better option for you. Its 62.5g actuation force offers a satisfying bounce that can enhance your overall typing experience, making it ideal for those who love a lively feel and don’t mind a stronger bottom-out resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Snow switches might be more suitable. With a slightly lighter actuation force of 60g and a bouncy feel, the Snow switches provide a comfortable typing experience while producing a rich, low-pitched thock sound, perfect for quieter environments or extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a vibrant, tactile feedback or a smooth, acoustically pleasing experience.
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