HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Twilight both stand out as excellent options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy) is notable for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy feel that adds an element of delight to every keystroke, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter sound while preserving the signature clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for. This makes the Twilight a suitable choice for those who prefer a less noisy environment without sacrificing performance. While both switches offer their unique benefits—whether it’s the tactile feedback of the Lotus (Heavy) or the subtlety of the Twilight—each caters to different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Twilight, both models utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to a distinctive and consistent auditory experience. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture compared to harder plastics, which translates into a deeper and fuller sound profile for typing. This shared material choice means that users can expect similar acoustic qualities when using either switch, making both options appealing for those seeking a rounded and less harsh sound during keystrokes. The inherent sound absorption properties of nylon contribute to this effect, ensuring that both switches maintain a pleasant typing experience.
The construction of both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Twilight employs nylon effectively, which allows for an exploration of how these materials contribute to the overall feel of the switches. While both switches feature the same top and bottom housing materials, the individual characteristics will still emerge through their unique designs or configurations. In other words, although the fundamental material remains consistent, variations in switch actuation mechanisms could result in different typing experiences. For example, aspects such as spring tension and physical design can influence how the key feels when pressed down and released, allowing enthusiasts to select based on personal preference despite the identical housing material.
Furthermore, the dual use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that users can expect a consistent performance profile across these switches. The absorbent nature of nylon diminishes the impact of noise from hard impacts, whether it be during key actuation or key release. In this way, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and HMX Twilight both promise a softer auditory feedback that many typists prefer. In conclusion, while the materials of both switches offer a strategic advantage in creating a deep and sonorous typing experience, it is the nuances in design and actuation that will ultimately influence user preference when deciding between the two.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and HMX Twilight linear switches, notable differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which appeals to those seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for longer sessions. This significant difference in force indicates that the Twilight is the lighter option, while the Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier choice. Overall, users looking for a more tactile and robust feedback should opt for the Lotus, while those prioritizing comfort and ease of use will likely prefer the Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Twilight's travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that those selecting the Lotus will experience a more responsive key press, often favored by gamers and those seeking quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Twilight offers a deeper travel, which may be more satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Thus, choosing between these switches involves weighing the benefits of a shorter distance for speed against the richer feedback provided by a longer travel distance.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 adds a lively character to typing. This distinct sound profile brings an engaging auditory elevation to each keystroke, contributing to an overall pleasurable typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed with a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a slightly quieter operation while still preserving the clacky essence typical of HMX switches. This means that while the Twilight may not be as sonically bold as the Lotus, it still offers satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud, making it a potentially better choice for quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation that enhances the responsiveness of each keystroke. This tactile feedback can make for a more engaging typing experience, as every press feels crisp and lively. On the other hand, while information about the specific weight for the Twilight switch isn’t provided, its extended travel distance also implies a unique tactile experience that may vary from the Lotus. The distinction in travel distance may lead to a different sense of engagement and control when typing, even if the exact feelings aren't explicitly defined.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and HMX Twilight linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus excels with its vibrant sound and bouncy feel, making it a treat for those who enjoy an energetic typing experience. Conversely, the Twilight offers a quieter sound profile with extended travel that may appeal to individuals seeking subtler acoustic feedback while still enjoying the signature characteristics of HMX switches. Ultimately, both options can provide satisfying results, but your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Twilight linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a firmer key press that gives you a satisfying resistance and a pronounced feedback on each keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is an excellent choice with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams. This switch not only provides a bouncy sensation but also produces a brighter, resonant sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and robust typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch for rapid typing or gaming, the HMX Twilight linear switch could be your go-to option with its 50-gram actuation force. The Twilight offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter operation while still delivering that signature clacky feel inherent to HMX switches. Ultimately, your selection should hinge on whether you prioritize a more robust and resonant experience or a lighter, quieter keystroke that enhances speed and efficiency.
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