HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct yet compelling experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy and enjoyable keystroke with its bright, resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced and tactile response in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a medium level of tactility that caters to users looking for a balanced feel, thanks to its fairly light touch and neutral sound signature—situating it as the "Goldilocks" choice for those who want a reliable and comfortable typing experience without being overwhelming. Both switches have their merits; whether you lean towards the satisfying feedback of the Lotus (Heavy) or the versatile feel of the Violet Gold Pro, each switch caters to unique preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we see a clear distinction in the type of plastics used for their top housings, which significantly affects the overall sound profile of each switch. The Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This material dampens vibrations effectively, allowing for a sound profile that is rounder and less harsh. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances clarity and produces a higher-pitched, crisper sound that resonates more distinctly. The choice of materials introduces unique auditory experiences, making the typing sounds quite different despite both switches aiming to deliver engaging tactile feedback.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches exhibit a point of harmony since both switches utilize nylon for this component. The use of nylon in both cases results in a similar impact on the sound and feel as you bottom out the switch. In this respect, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Violet Gold Pro share a commonality that leans towards creating a deeper and rounder sound profile. Since the bottom housing significantly contributes to the bottom-out sound, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when these switches are engaged, regardless of the different top housing materials.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer contrasting experiences—one delivering a softer, mellower sound, and the other providing a brighter, more resonant tone—their nylon bottom housings unify their characteristics in terms of sound profile at the moment of actuation. Therefore, despite the distinction in the top materials, consumers can achieve a blend of experiences that leverage both the warmth of nylon and the clarity of polycarbonate—balancing the auditory feedback and ensuring an overall satisfying typing experience. Thus, both switches, while unique, have the potential to achieve a refined auditory result through this careful material choice.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch present a distinct contrast in their actuation forces, with the Lotus requiring a heavier push at 55 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's lighter 45 grams. This difference suggests that users preferring a lighter actuation force may find the Violet Gold Pro more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it can reduce fatigue. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might favor the Lotus, which offers a stronger push feel. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Lotus switch also has a specified bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a definitive resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its response when fully engaged. Overall, while the Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option, the Violet Gold Pro provides a lighter, potentially more accessible alternative for users seeking a gentler touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the HMX Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minimal, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch can lead to quicker actuation, appealing primarily to gamers who favor rapid response times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may provide a more satisfying and pronounced feel for typists who prefer deeper keystrokes. Overall, if you're seeking a more responsive typing experience, the HMX Lotus may be the better choice, while those desiring a more substantial tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 is characterized by a bright, resonant output, which adds a lively and engaging auditory quality to each keystroke. This sound profile is likely to enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a neutral sound signature. This allows for a more subdued and versatile auditory experience, making it suitable for various environments, from quiet offices to bustling homes. The neutral tone ensures that these switches won't be distracting, making them a solid choice for users prioritizing functionality alongside sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a super bouncy sensation, complemented by a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g. This combination allows for a satisfying and energetic typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance while still maintaining fluid key presses. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a medium level of tactility with a fairly light touch. This "stepped" feel means that users will notice a distinct bump at the actuation point, lending a sense of precision to every keystroke without being overly pronounced. This makes the Violet Gold Pro a fantastic option for those who prefer a gentler tactile feedback compared to the more dynamic experience offered by the Lotus (Heavy).
In summary, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch delivers a bright and resonant sound with a lively and bouncy feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more stimulating typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral auditory experience accompanied by a gentle, stepped tactile feedback, striking a balance that caters to users seeking a versatile typing solution. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, each switch offers distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it's essential to align your selection with your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more pronounced keystroke with a lively, bouncy feel, coupled with a bright and resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely your best bet. This switch, with its medium-heavy 62.5g actuation force, provides an engaging experience perfect for both typing and gaming, particularly if you tend to enjoy feedback from your switches. However, if you're seeking a balanced and moderately tactile experience that allows for quieter operation, especially in shared or professional environments, the Violet Gold Pro is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound signature and light touch mean it caters well to both beginners and experienced typists alike, making it versatile for different tasks without overwhelming noise or too much tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs whether that's a lively typing experience with the Lotus or a subtle, adaptable touch with the Violet Gold Pro.
Mentioned in this article
