HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Luciola offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and vibrant sound, providing a super bouncy feel with every key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is also a linear switch, but stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. With a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken, the Luciola offers a different typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths, such as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished characteristics, they ultimately cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This difference in sound profiles can significantly affect the typing experience for users, with the Lotus providing a more muted and softer typing sound compared to the Luciola's sharper and clackier sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Luciola also contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Lotus's nylon bottom housing continues to enhance the deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing by offering a relatively high-pitched sound that adds to the overall clackiness of the switch. These differences in bottom housing materials further emphasize the distinct sound profiles that each switch offers, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
While the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Luciola vary in terms of sound profiles, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced sound profile, with each component contributing to different aspects of the typing sound. Whether you prefer a deeper and rounder sound profile from the Lotus's nylon housing or a sharper and clackier sound from the Luciola's proprietary INK blend, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Luciola linear switch. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is on the lighter side. In contrast, the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Lotus. For those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, the Lotus would be the better choice, while the Luciola would be suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. Both switches offer different levels of typing feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of various users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Lotus offers a slightly quicker key response due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Lotus for its faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Luciola with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch is best known for its bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile, creating a unique auditory experience. The Lotus switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it is unclear how it compares to the clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched descriptors given for the Luciola switch. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The Gateron Luciola switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Without specific descriptors for the Lotus switch, it is difficult to directly compare the typing feel of the two switches. However, both switches seem to offer a satisfying and comfortable typing sensation for users.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch each have their own distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to provide a pleasant typing experience. The Lotus switch is renowned for its bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, while the Luciola switch stands out with its unique hollow sound profile and smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual preferences of the user, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or other factors in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences. Choose the HMX Lotus if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy typing feel. Opt for the Gateron Luciola if you prefer a medium bottom out force, glow-in-the-dark feature, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique sound profile described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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