HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options that cater to their unique preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is a linear switch that stands out for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, delivering a bright and resonant sound with a delightful bouncy feel to each keystroke. This makes it an attractive option for those who enjoy smooth, uninterrupted typing experiences without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a tactile switch experience characterized by its thuddy, punchy sound profile, providing satisfying feedback without being overly distracting. With pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance, the Viola Tricolor enhances the typing experience by integrating a sharp sensation that keeps users engaged. Choosing between the Lotus and Viola comes down to your preference for linear smoothness versus tactile precision; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for its softer plastic properties. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This material is comparatively stiffer and produces a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile, which enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate's translucency adds an additional visual dimension, especially when RGB lighting is implemented, whereas the nylon of the Lotus maintains a more muted appearance. Thus, while both switches serve the same function, the top housing significantly diverges in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
When examining the bottom housings of these two switches, there is a notable commonality that plays a critical role in determining their overall sound experience. Both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Viola Tricolor feature nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, regardless of the differences between their top housings. As a result, when users engage with these switches, the bottom-out feel and sound come largely from the shared nylon bottom, allowing for some level of uniformity in experience between the two models when pressed down.
Ultimately, the combination of dissimilar top housings and identical bottom housings creates a unique interaction in each switch. The different top materials produce contrasting sound profiles when releasing the key, while the shared nylon bottom ensures a more subdued and deeper sound upon bottoming out. This dynamic allows the HMX Lotus (Heavy) to deliver an overall warmer auditory experience, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor is more inclined to offer a sharper and clearer sound. Consequently, users may find that choosing between these two switches involves a preference for either a deeper, rounded sound or a higher-pitched, crisper auditory experience, while still enjoying the consistent foundational feel provided by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams, while the Viola Tricolor does not specify its actuation force, leaving an unknown gap in this regard. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Lotus (Heavy) comes in at 62.5 grams, compared to the Viola Tricolor's slightly higher 63.5 grams. This indicates that while the bottom out forces are relatively close, the Viola Tricolor falls into the medium-heavy category, making it feel slightly firmer upon completion of the keystroke. Therefore, the Lotus (Heavy) is the lighter option, which may appeal to those who favor prolonged typing sessions, while the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force might attract users seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find that the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Viola Tricolor measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. Consequently, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and more rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for users who favor a more substantial feel when pressing a key, providing a deeper typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the Lotus (Heavy) appealing to those seeking speed and the Viola Tricolor catering to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keypress.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience with a cheerful, upbeat tone. This brightness gives it a lively character, making each keystroke feel crisp and clear. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor boasts a thuddy and punchy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer auditory experience that resonates more in the lower frequencies. This low-pitched quality offers a bass-heavy essence during typing. While both switches provide distinctly different soundscapes, the Lotus is more melodic, whereas the Viola adds a robust and grounded layer to each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g combined with a bouncy sensation, creating a delightful feedback with each keystroke. This offers a highly engaging typing experience that keeps users feeling energized. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor combines an accented tactility that is pronounced without being excessive, providing a satisfying feedback during typing without overwhelming the user. The invigorating nature of the Viola Tricolor ensures a snappy and responsive feel, making it enjoyable but distinct in sensation compared to the Lotus (Heavy).
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches cater to different tastes, they both offer enriching experiences in sound and feel. The Lotus excels with its bright resonance and bouncy feedback, suitable for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience alongside energetic typing. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor provides a more grounded, thuddy sound coupled with an invigorating tactile response, perfect for users seeking a balance between feedback and comfort. By understanding these qualities, newcomers can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what kind of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and bouncy feel with each keystroke, then the Lotus (Heavy) switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams strikes a nice balance for those who enjoy a bit of resistance without tiring their fingers, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The bright and resonant sound profile enhances the tactile joy of each press, perfect for users who appreciate a lively auditory feedback during their input.
On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more character-rich typing experience with clear tactile feedback, the Haimu Viola Tricolor might be the better option for you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it provides that pronounced tactile sensation without being overpowering, giving you a fair sense of engagement with each keypress. The bassy and low-pitched sound adds depth and presence to your typing, creating a more rounded sensory experience that many find invigorating. Thus, if you enjoy a switch that feels tactile yet allows for smooth and deliberate typing, the Viola Tricolor can enhance this experience beautifully. Ultimately, it depends on whether you lean towards the carefree buoyancy of linear feedback or the satisfying resistance of tactile switches in enhancing your overall typing experience.
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