HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct experiences to users. The Lotus switch, with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a super bouncy feeling and a bright, resonant sound, making each keystroke a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch reinvigorates the classic clicky switch category with advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering users a perfect blend of the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the Lotus switch provides a smooth and linear typing experience, the Melodic switch offers a more tactile and clicky feel. 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
N/A
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
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Melodic, we can see that the Lotus features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Melodic boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique qualities, the nylon top housing of the Lotus offers a more muffled and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Lotus and Melodic utilize nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, when it comes to differences in sound profile, the impact of the bottom housing is more prominent in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the difference in top housing materials between the Lotus and Melodic, the nylon bottom housing maintains a similar sound characteristic in both switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Lotus and Melodic housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The nylon top housing of the Lotus provides a more rounded sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic offers a clearer and more resonant sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, each housing material has its unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Melodic has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a medium weight feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lotus would be a better choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Melodic would be the ideal option. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preferences, with the Lotus being lighter and the Melodic being heavier.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Melodic switch slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Lotus switch. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Melodic switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 linear switch provides a bright, resonant sound that offers a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its crisp and sharp sound profile that maintains the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while promoting smoothness with factory lubing and dual-railed stems. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Lotus potentially having a higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Melodic's crunchy autumn leaves-like sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch's feel is not explicitly described but is noted to provide a delightfully bouncy experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as offering a buttery and smooth keystroke experience with seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Melodic switch is noted for its invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Melodic potentially providing a smoother and more uniform typing sensation compared to the Lotus.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a bouncy feel and potentially higher-pitched sound, while the Melodic switch appeals to users seeking a buttery smooth typing experience with invigorating feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the bottom out force and the sound and feel preferences that suit your typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a bouncy feel with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switch might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the medium bottom out force and a crisp, crunchy sound with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic switch could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it comes down to personal preference and typing experience when making your decision.
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