HMX Lotus vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Lotus switch is praised for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, with a bottom-out weight of just 43.5g, making it perfect for extended typing sessions. While the Lotus switch offers a delightful typing experience, the Milk Tea switch prioritizes comfort and ease of use. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Lotus using nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Milk Tea uses POM for both. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings in the Milk Tea switches produce a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to nylon.
One significant difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Lotus's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. However, both materials share the characteristic of absorbing sound to create a more rounded and duller sound, albeit with different nuances. These differences in top housing materials may result in varying sound experiences for users depending on their preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the HMX Lotus's nylon and the PH Studio Milk Tea's POM provide similar qualities in terms of impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The softer nature of nylon and POM allows for a more cushioned bottom-out experience, contributing to a more comfortable typing feel. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches shares the common trait of influencing the overall tactile and auditory feedback of the switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37.5 grams. However, both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus switch requires 50 grams of force, while the Milk Tea switch requires 43.5 grams. Again, both switches offer a light bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Overall, for those who prefer a lighter touch, both the HMX Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea switches would provide a similar typing experience due to their relatively low actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there is a minimal difference between the two. The Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lotus with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel may lean towards the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is subtle, and users can expect similar results regardless of which option they choose.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch is well-known for its bright, resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique auditory blend with a fairly high-pitched sound that also retains a muted essence, striking a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch offers a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile compared to the resonant sound of the Lotus switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch's tactile experience is not specified in the provided information. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is described as having a polished and silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This indicates that the Milk Tea switch prioritizes comfort and smoothness in key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the HMX Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, while the Milk Tea switch presents a unique high-pitched and muted sound profile, paired with a polished and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the vibrant and lively nature of the Lotus switch or the balanced and smooth sensation of the Milk Tea switch to suit their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Lotus linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a medium weight and a bright, resonant sound that provides a bouncy feeling with each keystroke, the HMX Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force designed for prolonged typing sessions, paired with a unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch could be the perfect match for your typing style. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, so take into consideration your preferences and requirements when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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