HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Tomcat both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, providing a satisfying tactile resistance that enhances the typing experience with its bright, resonant sound profile. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a bit more weight and feedback with each keystroke, making it perfect for those who type with purpose. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat is designed for a super smooth typing experience, featuring Ly stems that promote effortless keystrokes along with a similar resonant sound that adds an auditory dimension to your typing. The Tomcat switches appeal to users who prioritize fluidity and a lighter touch, allowing for rapid keystrokes without compromising on sound quality. Both switches have their merits, catering to different preferences in weight and feel, making the choice ultimately subjective. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Tomcat distinctly showcase the impact of housing material on keyboard experience through their choice of top housing materials. The Lotus employs a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Tomcat uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to its clearer and more resonant acoustics, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches achieve their unique audio characteristics, they derive their sound profiles from fundamentally different materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Tomcat use nylon, which leads to similarities in the tactile experience and sound output when pressing the keys. Nylon's softer composition means that both bottom housings absorb sound well, creating that characteristic deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. This consistency means that despite the differences in their top housings, both switches will induce a similar auditory experience influenced by their bottom section. When pressed, the relative softness of the nylon allows for a muted bottom-out sound, reinforcing the deeper resonance produced in both types of switches.
The combined effect of differing top and similar bottom housing materials creates a rich auditory experience that varies depending on the action taken on the keys. The Lotus (Heavy) provides a subdued sound profile during key releases due to its nylon top, while the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top creates a more pronounced sound upon release. Conversely, both switches share a mellow bottom-out sound when the keys are pressed down, allowing users to enjoy a deep and full auditory experience. Thus, even with the contrast in top housing materials, the overall typing experience remains unique to each switch while still leveraging the classic characteristics of nylon in their bottom housings to deliver a satisfying and cohesive performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, resulting in a heavier feel that caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it more suitable for users who appreciate ease of typing over extended periods, whether during work or long gaming sessions. Thus, while the Lotus (Heavy) is designed for those who enjoy a firmer key press, the Tomcat is aimed at those seeking a medium-light switch for a lighter touch and greater endurance. Overall, the key distinctions in their forces make it clear which switch may suit different user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer a slight contrast, with the Lotus (Heavy) featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm suggests a minor variation in feel during key presses. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Lotus (Heavy) would be the more suitable choice, as its shorter travel distance may facilitate quicker actuation. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Tomcat’s longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying experience. Overall, while the differences might be subtle, they reflect distinct preferences in typing or gaming styles, catering to either those seeking speed or those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds an engaging auditory dimension to the typing experience. This quality complements its medium-heavy weight, creating an enjoyable feedback loop that enhances each keystroke. Similarly, the Bsun Tomcat switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile, suggesting it shares a vibrant auditory experience with the Lotus (Heavy). However, the specific nuances of their sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning users may encounter slightly different acoustic characteristics depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch impresses with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation that makes every keystroke feel lively and satisfying. This responsiveness plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch features Ly stems, which are designed to deliver a super smooth typing experience, potentially distinguishing it in terms of gliding over the switch housing. While the Lotus focuses more on a bouncy feedback, the Tomcat may provide a more streamlined feel with its emphasis on smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that can cater to different typing preferences. The Lotus provides a bright and resonant sound paired with a bouncy feel, while the Tomcat also features a resonant sound but emphasizes smoothness through its design. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, both switches can yield a satisfying experience, but they will offer different characteristics that should be considered in the context of your overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your typing preferences and usage scenarios will play a significant role in making the best choice for your needs. If you enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and prefer a bouncier typing experience with a slightly louder sound profile, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is likely your best bet. Its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance both gaming and typing, making every keystroke feel deliberate and engaging. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Tomcat switch is the ideal option. Its 54-gram force makes it easier to press keys quickly while still providing a pleasant resonance. This switch is particularly suitable for situations where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum or for long typing sessions where ease of use is crucial. Ultimately, by considering your priorities in terms of tactile feedback, sound, and the overall feel in your typing experience, you can select the switch that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
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