HMX Lotus vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and HMX Lucky offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Lotus, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a distinctly bouncy feel that energizes each keystroke, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that can enhance the tactile feedback for typists and gamers alike. Its characteristics—clacky, bouncy, feathery, and silky—make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches offer a lighter touch with a pleasurable softness, thanks to their glittery nylon housings. This results in a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, categorized as clacky, bouncy, silky, and polished, appealing to those who prefer a smoother, more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between the Lotus and Lucky may hinge on your personal preference for weight and sound. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and the HMX Lucky share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both feature nylon for the top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon, celebrated as a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The uniformity of using nylon for both the top and bottom housings in these two models means that users can expect a consistent typing sound and feel, leading to similar acoustic characteristics when typing on either switch.
Both the Lotus and Lucky demonstrate how the properties of nylon enhance tactile feedback and sound profile through their housings. With both models employing nylon for both the top and bottom, the impact of sound dynamics is evenly distributed. When pressed, the bottom housing’s properties largely influence the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing’s characteristics affect the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, regardless of which switch model is in use, both the Lotus and Lucky ensure that the typing experience is rich and satisfying due to the inherent qualities of nylon as a housing material.
Despite the identical choice of nylon for both the Lotus and Lucky housings, the experience remains consistently distinct across various typing techniques. Users can expect that their auditory experience will largely mirror each other due to the overarching influence of nylon on sound absorption and vibration damping. Whether typing on the HMX Lotus or the HMX Lucky, individuals can anticipate a similar tactile response and a dulled, more rounded acoustic result from their keystrokes, reinforcing the idea that when housing materials are consistent, so too are the overall experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, both options are light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but they vary in their specific measurements. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Lucky switch the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Lotus provides a slightly heavier feel, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches generally allow for a quick response due to their lightweight nature, ensuring that users will enjoy a smooth typing experience, albeit with the Lucky offering a bit more ease in keystrokes due to its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a slightly shorter option, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which provides a longer feel when pressing down on a key. This difference in travel distance means that gamers or users who favor quick response times may prefer the Lotus switch for its quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial depth and tactile feedback while typing might lean towards the Lucky switch, appreciating its longer travel distance. In comparison, the traditional switch travel distance is 4.0 mm, whereas the Lotus and Lucky switches fall within a more modern range, appealing to different user preferences based on tactile sensations and responsiveness. Ultimately, if one prefers the shorter travel distance for a snappier feel, the Lotus would be the optimal choice, while the Lucky caters to those appreciating a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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, both the HMX Lotus and HMX Lucky linear switches produce a clacky sound profile. This type of sound is characterized by a sharp, snappy quality that is crisp, bright, and percussive when the switches are pressed. Since the auditory experience of a keyboard can also depend on factors such as the specific keyboard design and the choice of keycaps, expect similar sound characteristics from both switches. Users can anticipate an engaging auditory feedback that enhances their typing experience, regardless of whether they choose the Lotus or the Lucky.
In terms of feel, there are noteworthy nuances between the Lotus and Lucky switches. The Lotus switch provides a bouncy sensation that gives a spring-like feedback with every keystroke, contributing to a lively typing experience. This switch is also described as feathery, which means it requires minimal effort to press, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, it offers a silky feel, ensuring smooth engagement and disengagement of the keys. Conversely, the Lucky switch also boasts a bouncy feel, but it shines with its silky texture and polished finish. This combination results in a refined typing sensation marked by reduced friction and a sleek key travel experience, making for an equally satisfying typing experience but with enhanced smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus and HMX Lucky linear switches deliver an enjoyable sound and a lively feel with their bouncy characteristics. While they have similar auditory profiles, the specific tactile experiences they offer distinguish them; the Lotus leans towards a feel that balances feathery lightness with an elastic feedback, whereas the Lucky elevates smoothness and polish with its silky touch. Each switch caters to slightly different preferences while providing a fulfilling typing journey, making either choice a solid option for anyone venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you're considering the HMX Lotus and HMX Lucky linear switches, your choice should depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lively, bouncy feel that makes every keystroke enjoyable, the Lotus is likely your best bet. Its slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that feels energetic and responsive, which can be particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming or typing where you appreciate a bit of resistance. Moreover, the bright sound profile that the Lotus offers adds an element of excitement to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and refined feel paired with an even lighter actuation force of 43 grams, you'll find the Lucky to be more suitable. Its silky and polished characteristics lend themselves well to long typing sessions, making it ideal for work or school where comfort and smoothness are paramount. In essence, your choice between these two switches hinges on whether you want a more vibrant and energetic typing experience with the Lotus, or a smoother and softer touch with the Lucky.
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