HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal choice for your typing style and gaming needs. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch stands out with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound profile, providing users with a responsive and bouncy keystroke that enhances the typing experience. This makes the Lotus an appealing option for those who enjoy a tactile feedback and a lively sound while they type. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a unique appeal with its shorter activation point and long pole stem, creating a smooth typing sensation paired with a creamy sound signature. This switch caters to users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes, making it particularly desirable for gamers and fast typists. Both switches are excellent choices depending on whether you prefer the satisfying weight and bounce of the Lotus or the quick, refined feel of the Splash Brothers. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ significantly in their composition, which directly influences the auditory experience of each product. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, a material known for its soft and absorbent characteristics. This results in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, allowing for a more muted acoustic experience that resonates warmly. In contrast, the Splash Brothers employ a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, more high-pitched sound profile. The rigid nature of polycarbonate ensures that the sound is clearer and more resonant, providing a bright auditory feedback when typing. This distinction between the softer properties of nylon in the Lotus and the stiffer attributes of polycarbonate in the Splash Brothers creates two distinct auditory experiences when typing.
When examining the bottom housing of both keyboards, there is a notable similarity as both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Splash Brothers use nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality suggests that, despite the differences in the top housing materials, typing on either switch will typically produce a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the nylon's sound absorption qualities. This means that both keyboards will deliver a consistent auditory experience at the bottom-out point when the key is fully pressed down, combining the characteristics of their respective materials. The softness of nylon in the bottom housing is crucial in ensuring that both keyboards provide a similar tactile and auditory feedback upon key activation.
In summary, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Splash Brothers showcase a contrast in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—they share a commonality in their bottom housing of nylon, which solidifies the deeper sound profile both keyboards generate. The differences in the top housing contribute to their unique sound signatures, with the Lotus offering a softer, more muted experience and the Splash Brothers providing a crisper and brighter feedback. Therefore, users who prioritize auditory clarity might prefer the Splash Brothers, while those seeking a deeper and rounder sound may incline towards the Lotus (Heavy). Regardless of the selection, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both keyboards offer a satisfying typing experience that echoes the common characteristics of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces is evident. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a medium weight that suits users looking for a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers does not list an actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly lighter at 48 grams. This disparity highlights that the Lotus switch is the heavier option, which can provide a satisfying tactile feedback ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced push feel during typing and gaming. Conversely, the Splash Brothers, with its lighter bottom out force, caters to users who enjoy prolonged typing sessions without undue strain. The unknown actuation force of the Splash Brothers makes a direct comparison challenging, but it suggests that the overall typing experience may lean towards ease of activation, making it a preferable choice for those valuing comfort over feedback weight.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this regard. Since both switches share the same travel distance, pressing down on either key will yield similar tactile feedback and actuation feel. As a result, users can expect a consistent experience when engaging with either switch, ensuring that neither has a shorter or longer travel distance compared to the other.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 sound produced by the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized as bright and resonant, ensuring a more pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke. This vibrant sound can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback, making it delightful for users who enjoy a more engaging sound atmosphere. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a creamy sound signature, which tends to be smoother and more muted, allowing for a more understated auditory experience that may be preferable in quieter environments or for those seeking less distraction while typing. Both switches' sound profiles can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard plates and keycaps, though the inherent qualities do set them apart.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is known for its super bouncy sensation, which provides a lively and responsive typing experience, allowing users to feel each keystroke more distinctly. This elasticity contributes to an engaging interaction with the keyboard. Meanwhile, the Jwick Splash Brothers provide a multifaceted typing feel characterized by a mild but snappy response, along with a bouncy nature that offers a rebounding sensation. This combination results in a dynamic typing experience that can be both approachable and lively. The Lotus focuses on delivering a pronounced bounce, while the Splash Brothers add an element of playfulness with their snappy action, making them enjoyable in different ways.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to users seeking engaging typing experiences, albeit in distinct manners. The Lotus offers a bright and resonant sound paired with a pronounced bounce, providing a very lively feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers deliver a creamy sound and a multifaceted feel that combines mild, snappy, and bouncy characteristics, making for a more versatile typing experience. Though their sound profiles and tactile responses differ, each switch can lead to a satisfying experience, allowing users to choose based on personal preference in audio and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you gravitate toward a switch that provides a medium-heavy tactile response with a bouncy and bright audio feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent pick. Its 62.5-gram actuation force makes it ideal for users who appreciate a bit more weight in their keystrokes, lending a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing accuracy, especially for those who spend extended periods typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more dynamic switch with quicker actuation, the Splash Brothers may be the better option for you. With its light 48-gram bottom-out force, faster activation, and creamy sound signature, it caters well to those who favor speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. This makes it especially suitable for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing tasks. In essence, choose the Lotus (Heavy) for a robust feel and a lively auditory experience, and opt for the Splash Brothers for a smooth, rapid, and subtly enjoyable typing encounter. Your personal typing style and the environment in which you will primarily use the keyboard will ultimately guide your decision.
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