HMX Lotus vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and HMX Lotus (Heavy) stand out as two exceptional options, each offering a unique typing experience grounded in their linear design. The standard HMX Lotus features a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, providing a delightful bounce and a bright, resonant sound that can elevate your typing or gaming sensation. It strikes a balance between sensitivity and feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy a responsive feel without excessive force. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) steps it up with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a slightly more forceful response that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Like its lighter counterpart, it maintains the same bright sound and bouncy feel, but offers a bit more resistance for those who seek a firmer touch. Both switches promise an engaging and enjoyable typing experience, tailored to different preferences in weight and feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lotus Linear

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.49

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), both models utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to an identical auditory and tactile experience during typing. The use of nylon in both instances is notable, as this material is celebrated for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's relatively softer nature, it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output. This characteristic enhances the typing experience, yielding softer sounds upon key presses and releases, whether users are employing the regular Lotus or the Lotus (Heavy).

While the housing materials are the same in both models, it is important to emphasize the impact the design of the switches may have on performance. The switch's bottom housing predominantly influences the tactile feedback and the bottom-out sound when pressed, while the top housing contributes more significantly to the acoustic properties experienced upon releasing the key. Since both the HMX Lotus and HMX Lotus (Heavy) share the same nylon materials, users can expect a similar performance in terms of sound quality and overall feel, regardless of the model they choose.

Notably, even though the materials are consistent across the HMX Lotus and HMX Lotus (Heavy), their design aspects could potentially introduce differences in typing feel or pressure resistance. The Lotus (Heavy) may incorporate additional features such as stronger springs or a different weight distribution, which can affect how the beyond sound and tactility come together during usage. However, from a purely material standpoint, both models will provide comparable sound profiles and typing experiences, cementing nylon's reputation as a classical and effective choice for switch housings.

Weight

The HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The Lotus switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to engage and bottom out. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feedback under their fingers. Ultimately, the Lotus switch is the lighter option, while the Lotus (Heavy) provides a heavier feel, satisfying users who seek strength in their keystrokes. This distinction is crucial for users to consider based on their typing habits and preferences.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom of the keypress. As a result, whether one opts for the standard Lotus or the heavier variant, the key travel will yield similar tactile feedback and responsiveness. Thus, there is no distinction in terms of travel distance between the two switches; they both provide the same measurement and, consequently, a uniform typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Lotus linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant sound that adds a vibrant auditory element to typist experiences. This quality is consistent with the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, which shares the same bright, resonant sound profile. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced can be influenced by external factors, such as the specific keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while both switches deliver a similarly bright sound characteristic, the final auditory experience can differ depending on the keyboard configuration.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g at the bottom out, leading to a responsive and bouncy typing experience. This sensation makes every keystroke feel delightfully engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, provides a firmer resistance that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. Despite this difference in weight, both switches maintain the same super bouncy characteristic, ensuring that the overall typing experience remains enjoyable when engaging with either variant.

In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches feature a vibrant and bright sound, making them equally appealing in terms of auditory stimulation. The primary distinction lies in their weight, which affects their tactile feedback: the standard switch being lighter and the heavy switch offering a more robust typing experience. Regardless of your preference, both switches will provide a delightful and bouncy feel, contributing to an engaging typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the specific tasks you engage in. If you value a lighter touch and enjoy a responsive, bouncy feel with each keystroke, the HMX Lotus switch, with its 50g bottom-out force, would be a fantastic option for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for fast typing and gaming, allowing for quicker actuation without requiring much force. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance in your typing, especially for tasks like programming or writing that may benefit from a more deliberate keystroke, then the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch might be the better choice. The additional weight of 62.5g provides a more substantial feel, which can help reduce typing fatigue over extended periods. Both switches offer a bright, resonant sound that enhances your overall typing experience, but your preference for lighter or heavier actuation will dictate which switch serves you best. Ultimately, consider trying both options to see which aligns most with your comfort and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lotus Linear

$3.49

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more