HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts may find themselves torn between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. The Lotus switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, offers a super bouncy feeling that elevates every keystroke. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch from Gateron caters to office environments by providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, perfect for professional settings. While the Lotus switch leans towards a more lively and tactile typing experience, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes discretion and comfort. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. As a result, typing enthusiasts who prefer a quieter typing experience may appreciate the nylon housing of both switches.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their switch housings, the HMX Lotus and Gateron Mountain Top may differ in their manufacturing processes and design choices. The specific shape and size of the housings can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing. Additionally, the thickness and quality of the nylon material used in each switch can also affect the typing experience. It is important to consider these factors when deciding between the two switches, as even small differences in design can lead to noticeable variations in performance.
Overall, despite any potential differences in manufacturing and design, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Both switches are likely to provide a quiet and satisfying typing experience for users who prefer switches with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style may play a larger role in determining which switch is the best fit for each individual user.
Weight
Comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Lotus requires 45 grams, while the Mountain Top only needs 40 grams. This makes the Mountain Top the lighter option in terms of actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Mountain Top more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Lotus may appeal to users who enjoy a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them preferred choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, but those who are sensitive to changes in travel distance may notice a slightly quicker feel with the Mountain Top switch. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, catering to those who appreciate a more responsive key press while still providing a satisfying amount of depth.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 offers a bright, resonant sound that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed to be quiet and discreet, making it ideal for office use where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Lotus providing a more pronounced sound experience while the Mountain Top offers a subtle and muted typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Lotus switch is known for its bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force for activation and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mountain Top switch also offers a mild and subtle typing experience, making it suitable for a wider range of users who prefer a lighter touch.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Lotus switch excels in providing a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, while the Mountain Top switch focuses on delivering a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a lively typing experience or a quiet and discreet one.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you're looking for a switch with a bouncy feeling and bright, resonant sound for a more engaging typing experience, then the HMX Lotus switch would be a great choice. However, if you need a switch that provides a quiet and discreet typing experience, perfect for office settings where noise may be a concern, then the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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