HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Sunset Gleam stand out as two exceptional linear options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is renowned for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivering a pronounced, bouncy feel that enhances typing enjoyment while producing a bright, resonant sound with every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate tactile feedback and audio response in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, excels in providing a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's signature factory lubrication. This combination elicits a smoother keystroke experience that many users find appealing for both its performance and sound profile. While both switches are linear in nature, their specific attributes may sway your decision based on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Sunset Gleam, a notable distinction lies in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to create a warmer and deeper sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon is adept at absorbing sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience that emulates a rounded tone. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference not only alters the auditory feedback of each switch but also the aesthetic, as the clear polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through more effectively than the opaque nylon.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize nylon. This shared choice in material means that the bottom-out feeling of both switches contributes to a similar acoustic experience. While the top housing of the Sunset Gleam offers a clearer sound on release due to its polycarbonate construction, both switches will maintain a deeper and fuller sound during the actuation thanks to the softer nylon used in the bottom housing. This consistency in material ensures that users will experience a rich tactile sensation and auditory feedback, albeit with contrasting nuances in sound profiles based on the top housing material.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Sunset Gleam leads to divergent sound experiences upon keystroke. While the nylon top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) envelops the user in a warmer sound, the polycarbonate top of the Sunset Gleam provides a more pronounced clarity in sound delivery. Yet, the use of nylon for the bottom housings serves to unify both switches through their ability to absorb sound, particularly on bottom-out, thus offering a satisfying typing experience across both models. The blend of these materials serves to cater to diverse preferences among users, appealing to those who prioritize sound warmth versus those who lean towards sharp, resonant acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is significantly lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, marking it as a lighter choice. This difference in weight greatly impacts typing experience; those who prefer a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Lotus (Heavy) for its higher resistance, while users looking for a more comfortable and prolonged typing session will likely favor the Sunset Gleam’s lower force requirements. Ultimately, if users want a noticeable tactile response, they will find the heavier Lotus more satisfying, whereas the lighter Sunset Gleam will cater to those seeking ease and speed in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch exhibit the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that the physical distance the user feels when pressing down on either switch is identical. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that users will experience similar actuation characteristics and keystroke responsiveness when using either switch. Whether one prefers the tactile feel of the Lotus (Heavy) or the design aesthetic of the Sunset Gleam, the consistent travel distance allows for a comparable typing experience across both options.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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) switch produces a bright, resonant tone, known for its ability to fill a room with auditory feedback. This liveliness can make typing more engaging for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch offers a more nuanced auditory profile with its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, blending a pleasing sound without overwhelming the user. Users can expect both switches to offer enjoyable acoustic experiences, though the Lotus (Heavy) leans toward a more vibrant soundscaping compared to the gentle, refined tones of the Sunset Gleam.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation that enhances the tactile feedback with every keystroke. This delightful springiness can create an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their switches. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam switch includes excellent factory lube, which contributes to its smoothness and overall pleasant feel. While the exact weighting of the Sunset Gleam isn't specified, it is designed to offer a satisfying keystroke that can cater to users who enjoy a fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer appealing sound and feel characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Lotus (Heavy) excels with its bright sound and bouncy feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy engaging auditory feedback and tactile sensation. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam provides a more subtle auditory experience coupled with smoothness, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more refined typing action. Ultimately, your preference between the two will depend on whether you desire a livelier or a more subdued typing experience, but both are crafted to deliver enjoyable outcomes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that provides a bouncier feel with a satisfying weight, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice thanks to its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams. This makes for a more pronounced feedback during typing, which can help you stay engaged and enhance your overall typing experience, especially if you're looking for an enjoyable tactile feel. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch, the Sunset Gleam with its 48-gram bottom-out force delivers a softer and more effortless keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. Additionally, the Sunset Gleam's subtle top-out and satisfying clack, combined with its well-lubed action, cater perfectly to users who appreciate a quieter yet responsive experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a heavier, more tactile push with the Lotus or a lighter, airy touch with the Sunset Gleam.
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