HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gazzew U4 stand out as compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Lotus (Heavy), renowned for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and bright, resonant sound, offers a delightful bouncy sensation that makes every keystroke feel exhilarating. This linear switch is ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate smoothness and a responsive feel without any tactile feedback disrupting their flow. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 presents a unique experience with its sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out sensation. As a silent tactile switch, it combines a whisper-quiet sound profile with an engaging typing experience, making it perfect for those who love the feel of tactile feedback while working in quieter environments. Both switches have their strengths, depending on whether you prefer the unencumbered glide of a linear switch or the satisfying feedback of a tactile one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gazzew U4 switches, both feature housings made from materials highly regarded for their acoustic properties. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon leads to increased sound absorption, resulting in a rounder, less harsh auditory experience when typing. In contrast, Gazzew's U4 employs a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its housings. This material, while different, is designed to achieve a similar acoustic effect as nylon. The Gazzew blend also promotes a rich and deep sound profile due to its own softness, suggesting that both switches provide an overall more muted and dulcet typing experience.

While both switches prioritize a softer feel to create rich sound profiles, their material compositions differ significantly. The Lotus (Heavy) relies solely on nylon, a tried-and-true material in the mechanical keyboard community. This all-nylon construction creates a cohesive sound signature; the qualities derived from the top and bottom housings work in concert to produce a consistent auditory response. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4’s hybrid "boba plastic" introduces a unique composition that can potentially offer distinct sound characteristics. However, when used in tandem, the contrasting materials can still produce a rich sound experience. The soft nature of both materials, regardless of their differences, aligns in creating a dampened sound, indicating that users seeking a refined auditory feedback could be satisfied with either option.

When it comes to the practical experience of using the two switches, the impact of their material choices diverges slightly based on housing configuration. With the Lotus (Heavy), the nylon top and bottom housings synergize to deliver a smooth and velvety typing sensation, while both housings influence sound feedback equally. In contrast, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend may provide a slightly varied feel depending on whether it is in the upper or lower section, with the top housing capturing more of the acoustic nuances during lift-off, while the bottom housing affects the bottoming out experience. Regardless of the differences, both switches exemplify how softer plastics contribute to a pleasing typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a sense of richness and depth from either choice.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it's evident that the two options cater to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option overall. In contrast, the U4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 62 grams. While both switches have similar bottom out forces, the U4's actuation is notably softer, providing a lighter typing experience that may be more suitable for extended use, such as in long gaming sessions or at work. Users looking for a more substantial feel might prefer the heavier actuation of the Lotus (Heavy), which could add to the overall typing experience. Thus, if you're after a more tactile and firm feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) is the go-to, whereas the U4 appeals to those who favor a lighter touch.

Travel distance

The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the U4 switch provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it a better choice for users who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation and can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid response times. While both switches fall within the same general range of travel distances—closer to the traditional 4.0 mm than to the shallow 3.0 mm—they cater to slightly different preferences: the U4 for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and the Lotus (Heavy) for users looking for a more responsive action. Therefore, if you prefer a heartier feel, the Gazzew U4 would be the better option, whereas the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is ideal for those who favor a quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch stands out with its bright, resonant qualities that create an engaging auditory experience while typing. The vibrant sound profile adds a lively character to each keystroke, enhancing the enjoyment of the mechanical typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch features a muted sound profile, characterized by low-pitched tones that are subtle and soft. This makes the U4 ideal for environments where quietness is appreciated, reducing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Lotus may produce a more pronounced sound, the U4 caters to those who prefer a whisper-quiet operation.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a super bouncy sensation, enhanced by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, which contributes to a pleasant tactile experience with each press. The tactile feedback from the Lotus is likely to be more forgiving and lively, allowing typists to feel the keystroke without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches deliver a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a strong, crisp response with every keystroke. Additionally, the U4 offers a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience. While the Lotus excels in a buoyant feel, the U4 emphasizes a sharper tactile feedback, making each type distinct.

In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gazzew U4 switches offer unique features catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lotus strikes a balance between a lively auditory impact and a bouncy typing experience, while the U4 prioritizes quiet operation and a pronounced tactile sensation. Depending on a user's priorities—whether they value auditory feedback or a softer sound with distinct tactile responses—each switch can cater to a variety of typing preferences, ensuring a delightful experience in their mechanical keyboard journey.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience that is characterized by a lively and bouncy feel, along with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams allows for satisfying keystrokes that are both responsive and delightful. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more discreet typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the U4 is ideal. The sharp tactile bump provides a superior tactile response without the louder noise, making it perfect for office settings or quiet environments. Their plush, muted sound profile, along with the 62 grams of bottom-out force, enhances comfort and minimizes distractions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a more dynamic auditory and tactile sensation, or if you prioritize a subtler experience while retaining effective feedback.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more