HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Lotus and Gateron Mars are two notable linear switches that offer distinct characteristics tailored to the preferences of different users. The Lotus, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivers a lively, bouncy feel complemented by a bright, resonant sound that can make every keystroke enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches bring innovation with their unique POK stem design and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate. While the Lotus is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, the Mars appeals to users seeking a refined typing experience with durable materials. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Mars, we see notable similarities and differences that ultimately influence their performance and sound characteristics. Both the HMX Lotus and Gateron Mars feature nylon top housings, which contribute to a similar acoustic profile. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared housing material ensures that users of both switches will enjoy a comparably rounded and muted auditory experience when typing, making them appealing to those who prioritize a rich sound profile.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches presents a key distinction that affects their overall performance. The HMX Lotus utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, aligning its acoustic properties with those of its top housing. In essence, this results in a cohesive sound profile throughout the entire switch, with both the top and bottom working harmoniously to create a pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars is constructed with a POM bottom housing, which introduces a unique quality to its sound design. Known for producing an exceptionally pleasing and deep sound, POM also adds a degree of muting to the typing experience, differentiating itself from the Lotus’s fully nylon construction.
Ultimately, the differences between the bottom housings in the Lotus and Mars illustrate how each component contributes to the overall typing feel and sound profile. With the Lotus's consistent nylon construction, users can expect a unified auditory experience, as the qualities remain balanced across both housings. In contrast, the Mars’s POM bottom housing allows for more pronounced qualities related to its design, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while both switches feature the same nylon top material, the unique combination of housing materials in their design sets them apart and may cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally conducive for typists who appreciate a lighter touch. This similarity in actuation force allows users to experience a similar keystroke sensitivity, which can contribute to longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Lotus has a measurable force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it feels when bottomed out. Given the available data, the Lotus is the heavier switch overall due to its bottom out force, while the Mars remains undetermined in this aspect. For those who prioritize a lighter switch for extended usage, both the Lotus and Mars provide a comparable actuation experience, but the Lotus will offer a more defined tactile feedback upon bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Mars linear switches, the Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lotus is the shorter option by 0.1 mm, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing keys. Both switches fall within a range trending towards shorter distances, appealing to different user preferences in terms of depth and responsiveness. Thus, while the differences are minimal, they can impact user experience depending on individual taste.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars 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
The HMX Lotus linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds an inviting auditory character to each keystroke. This clarity in sound can enhance the typing experience, making it more engaging. Conversely, the Gateron Mars switch’s sound quality remains unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares sonically to the Lotus. That said, the overall sound experience of any switch can be heavily influenced by the particular keyboard and keycaps used, so it’s essential to consider those elements when evaluating the auditory qualities.
When it comes to the feel, the Lotus switch is known for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, which offers a satisfying bouncy sensation that enhances the typing experience. This quality makes it enjoyable for both gaming and typing, as it strikes a balance between resistance and responsiveness. The Gateron Mars switch lacks specific descriptions regarding its tactile feedback, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Lotus. However, the innovative design featuring a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM housing may suggest a unique typing experience, though the exact feel remains uncertain.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus excels in delivering a bright sound and a pleasant, bouncy feel that can greatly enhance the typing experience. While the Gateron Mars switch showcases an innovative design, its sound and feel characteristics are not explicitly defined. Thus, if you prefer an engaging auditory experience along with a lively tactile feedback, the Lotus will meet your expectations. On the other hand, if you are curious about the Mars switch’s unique design, you may still experience a satisfying typing experience, but specifics about its qualities would need further exploration.
Conclusion
To wrap up, selecting between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a bouncy feel that enhances each keystroke, the Lotus with its 50g bottom-out force is likely to be the right choice for you. Its bright, resonant sound adds a satisfying auditory feedback that can make typing feel more engaging. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to innovative designs and are interested in experimenting with unique switch characteristics, you might want to consider the Gateron Mars switch. Although the specifics of its bottom-out force are unavailable, its unique combination of a POK stem and a Nylon-POM housing promises a different tactile experience that can appeal to those looking for something out of the ordinary. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so the decision should align with your personal preferences for feel, sound, and overall keyboard experience.
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