HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch features a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, which provides a satisfying tactile feedback with a bright, resonant sound, making every keystroke feel lively and energetic. This highly bouncy feeling can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced response with each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch caters to users seeking a quieter typing experience, thanks to its self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This innovative design absorbs sound and delivers an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience, perfect for those who require silent operation without sacrificing performance. While both switches are linear, appealing to those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, the choice between the two ultimately depends on whether you desire a responsive, vibrant typing experience or a serene, muted one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° highlights the distinct auditory and tactile experiences provided by the two switches. The Lotus (Heavy) uses a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer texture, which inherently lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is achieved through nylon’s sound-absorbing properties, creating a more subdued acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for more resonance, resulting in a distinct clarity that enhances the auditory feedback when pressing the keys. Overall, the choice of top housing dramatically influences how the sound is perceived, making these two switches distinctly different in terms of acoustic quality.
Examining the bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° feature nylon as their material choice. This consistency leads to a shared sound profile for the bottom half of the switches, providing a deeper and rounder sound experience regardless of their differing top housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a soothing tactile response, contributing to a cohesive typing experience where the qualities of the bottom housing dominate the feel and the sound produced when the key bottoms out. Consequently, while the top housings of these two switches diverge in sound characteristics, they nonetheless converge on a similar auditory foundation when considering the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the interaction between the differing materials in the top housing and the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing underscores the complexity and nuance present in mechanical switches. The Lotus (Heavy) achieves a more mellow sound and feel due to its nylon top, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offers a more precise and resonant experience with its polycarbonate lid. However, both switches will share that deeper sound provided by the nylon bottom housing during key presses. Thus, though they are optimal for different acoustic preferences, the Lotus (Heavy) and the Zero Degree 0° can deliver comparable user experiences by capitalizing on their nylon bottoms, enriching the overall versatility and enjoyment for different typing scenarios.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, a distinct difference is observed in their actuation forces. The Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Zero Degree is lighter at only 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience over long durations. This lighter force may appeal to those who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming, as it could reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Lotus may provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. While the bottom out force for the Lotus is known at 62.5 grams, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree remains unspecified. This ambiguity leaves unanswered questions about the overall depth of the Zero Degree switch, but it does indicate that users of the Lotus may experience a more defined bottoming out profile. Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier switch, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the two options exhibit slight differences. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Zero Degree 0° measures at 3.6 mm, thus possessing a longer travel distance. This means that the Zero Degree switch provides a more substantial feel when pressed, which can be advantageous for users who appreciate a deeper key press, offering a more pronounced tactile response. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances typically allow for faster actuation. Therefore, the choice between these two switches can be influenced by personal preference: the HMX Lotus (Heavy) for a more responsive action or the Gateron Zero Degree for a satisfying depth.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant tone with each keystroke. This characteristic can provide an engaging auditory feedback that some users may enjoy, particularly in environments where sound is not a major concern. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch employs an innovative self-padding design which helps to absorb sound, resulting in a significantly quieter typing experience. This dual-rail structure not only minimizes noise but also ensures that the actuation happens with a subtlety that can be appealing for those who prefer to keep their typing discreet, especially in shared spaces.
Regarding the feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is noted for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, which offers a bouncy and satisfying tactile experience. This resistance can engage typists who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch provides a soft and elastic feel, prioritizing smoothness and stability throughout the entire keystroke. The engineering behind this switch ensures that the actuation is fluid, which can be particularly appealing for users looking for a seamless typing experience without the tactile bumps.
In summary, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lotus switch offers a brighter sound paired with a heavier and bouncier feel, while the Zero Degree switch focuses on producing a silent typing experience with a soft and smooth actuation. Depending on your priorities—whether they be the enjoyment of audible feedback or the need for a quiet environment—either switch can effectively meet your needs, but they do so in notably different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile response combined with a medium-heavy weight to enhance your keystrokes, the Lotus (Heavy) will provide a satisfying experience with its 62.5g bottom-out force. This switch excels in delivering a bright, resonant sound, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free experience or often work in quiet environments, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is the way to go. Its innovative design offers a soft, elastic feel and exceptional smoothness without any audible sound, making it perfect for late-night typing sessions or office work where discretion is paramount. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer a more engaging auditory and tactile experience or a quiet, serene typing environment.
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