HMX Lotus vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor White mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch stands out for its 50g bottom out weight and a bright, resonant sound, providing a lively and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is characterized by its gentle linear feel and soft pitter-patter sound, making it easy to push and operate quietly. While the Lotus switch offers a more tactile and vibrant typing experience, the Meteor White switch provides a more subdued and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience. 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
57g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the HMX Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor White utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a similar typing experience for users. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing, creating a satisfying auditory experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While both keyboards share the same nylon material for their housing, the Lotus and Meteor White differ in their top and bottom housing designs. The qualities of the nylon material are split between the top and bottom housing of the switches, impacting the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing design can lead to subtle variations in sound and feel between the two keyboards.
Overall, the HMX Lotus and SP-Star Meteor White offer a similar typing experience with their nylon housing material, providing a deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of nylon switches. While the top and bottom housing designs may differ between the two keyboards, both are designed to enhance the typing experience by utilizing the unique sound absorption properties of nylon. Whether you choose the Lotus or Meteor White, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a pleasant sound profile that nylon housing material provides.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Lotus also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Meteor White has a higher bottom out force of 57 grams. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches means that the Lotus will feel lighter and require less force to press compared to the Meteor White. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Meteor White with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus switch falls into the category of a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Meteor White switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Lotus offering a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, while the Meteor White provides a more traditional and potentially more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
Overall, when comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, the differences in sound and feel are quite evident. The Lotus switch offers a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy feel, making every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch provides a subdued sound with a gentle, pitter-patter profile and a mild, polished feel. While the Lotus switch is more lively and vibrant in both sound and feel, the Meteor White switch offers a softer and more approachable typing experience. If you prefer a more pronounced and bouncy typing feel with a bright sound, the Lotus switch is the way to go. However, if you want a smoother and gentler typing experience with a softer sound, the Meteor White switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light, bouncy feel with a resonant sound, the Lotus switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, more subdued typing experience with a gentle pitter-patter sound profile, the Meteor White switch with a bottom out force of 57 grams might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
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