HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus both stand out as compelling options in the linear switch category, appealing to different user preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a satisfying resistance that promotes deliberate keystrokes, along with a bright, resonant sound that adds an extra layer of auditory delight. This switch is great for users who enjoy a bounciness in their typing experience, making every keypress feel engaging and rewarding. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is designed with speed in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, ideal for gamers seeking rapid-fire keyboard inputs. Its bright clacky sound and remarkably smooth push feel lend themselves nicely to quick actions, making it an excellent choice for high-paced gaming scenarios. Both switches have unique qualities that appeal to different types of users; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, highlighting a shared commitment to creating switches that provide a particular auditory and tactile experience. Nylon is known for its classic feel and sound absorption properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound rather than reflect it. Consequently, both switch models are designed to yield a duller and rounder sound when engaged, offering users a consistent acoustic experience across both products.
While the materials remain consistent between the two models, the characteristics of sound and feel experienced by the user may still slightly differ based on the specifics of their construction. For instance, even if both the top and bottom housings are made from nylon, the design or configuration of each housing—such as their shape or thickness—might impart unique sensations during key presses. Although both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus will ultimately deliver a satisfying tactile feedback due to the nylon housing, the nuances in construction may lead to preferences for one over the other among users.
The shared use of nylon in both switch models means that gamers or typists should expect similarities in the performance and sound quality when pressing key switches. Since the nylon in both models absorbs sound effectively, the bottom-out sound—primarily influenced by the bottom housing—will maintain that softer, rounded auditory result. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key, which is shaped by the top housing, will also reflect the deep, full tonal qualities typical of nylon. Despite potential differences in design, users can anticipate a comparable typing experience characterized by mellow acoustics and a satisfying tactile responsiveness for both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, noticeable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This disparity means that users who opt for the Lotus will experience a more substantial typing feel, which some may prefer for a tactile experience, particularly in gaming or intense typing sessions. On the other hand, the lighter Vintage Citrus may be ideal for those looking to type comfortably over long durations without fatigue. Ultimately, if you desire a heavier switch, the Lotus (Heavy) is your best bet, while the Vintage Citrus offers a gentler keystroke for extended use.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit differences in their travel distances, impacting the typing experience they provide. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it longer than the Vintage Citrus, which has a travel distance of 3 mm. This places the Lotus (Heavy) closer to traditional switches, while the Vintage Citrus aligns with the trend of shorter distances favored by gamers for quicker response times. If you prefer a typing experience with a more pronounced depth, the Lotus (Heavy) may be the better choice. Conversely, if you lean towards a more responsive keypress, the Vintage Citrus would suit your preferences better due to its shorter 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds a satisfying auditory experience to each keypress, enhancing the overall typing enjoyment. This sound profile can really stand out in a gaming or typing session, making the feedback from your keystrokes quite pronounced. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its bright, clacky sound, which further amplifies the aural feedback tailored for rapid-fire inputs. This distinct sound can create an engaging atmosphere during high-paced gaming, although the sound experience will ultimately depend on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a super bouncy sensation due to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a tactile feedback that many find delightful for both typing and gaming. This bounciness contributes to a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke, allowing for a fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for speed, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force and a smooth push feel. This combination allows gamers to achieve rapid key presses with ease, making it particularly effective for fast-paced gameplay scenarios. Both switches, while different in their weight and intended use, offer unique feels that cater to various typing preferences.
Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to different needs and experiences. While the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a delightful bounce and resonant auditory feedback, the Vintage Citrus hones in on rapid actuation and smoothness, suited for gamers. These differences make each switch uniquely appealing depending on your usage—whether you prioritize a satisfying typing experience or the responsiveness required for gaming. Ultimately, selecting one over the other will depend on your personal preferences and intended usage, as both promise to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in their own ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your choice should hinge upon your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a pronounced feedback sensation with a more substantial bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Lotus (Heavy) is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying bounce that enhances the typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a blend of tactile response and satisfying auditory feedback. This switch is also ideal for typists who appreciate a slightly more robust key press, making it suitable for both heavy typists and those who want a keyboard experience that feels both durable and responsive. On the other hand, if you’re primarily focused on speed, especially in gaming, or you prefer a lighter touch while typing, the Vintage Citrus switch is the superior choice. With its low actuation force of just 53 grams and a swift 1mm actuation point, it allows for rapid key presses, perfect for high-stakes gaming scenarios. Its bright, clacky sound profile adds an exciting auditory dimension that complements its fast-paced functionality. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a bouncy, tactile experience in your typing or seek the fastest, most responsive performance for gaming.
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