HMX Lotus vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Cherry MX Orange both stand out, albeit for different reasons, offering unique typing experiences for enthusiasts and gamers alike. The HMX Lotus switch is characterized by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright and resonant sound with a super bouncy feel, which enhances the joy of every keystroke and makes it a favorite for those who prioritize tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch revives the beloved original MX Orange switches with modern enhancements, ensuring a blend of reliability and performance that loyal Cherry fans appreciate. While both switches are linear, the Lotus’s lively sound and bouncy action cater to a more exuberant typing experience, whereas the MX Orange provides a robust, dependable quality that many users find appealing over extended periods of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and Cherry MX Orange share a notable similarity in their construction, as both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant because nylon is known for its softer properties, which affect the acoustics of the switches. Typing on both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience. This deeper sound is due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. Users of both switch types can expect a consistent auditory feedback that is indicative of this well-regarded housing material.
While the upper housings of both the Lotus and MX Orange switches are identical in material, they also share similar effects on the overall tactile experience. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the feel and sound when the switch is bottomed out. However, since both switches use the same nylon material for their bottom housings as well, users can expect similar feedback characteristics regardless of which switch they are using. While differences might exist in the other internal mechanisms or design intricacies, the nylon material ensures that the bottoming out sound remains consistent and satisfying across both switch types.
It's also worth noting that while the housings are the same, the interaction between the top and bottom parts can influence how the switches perform. With both the Lotus and MX Orange featuring nylon for both housings, the resulting characteristics should be largely uniform, resulting in a cohesive sound and feel profile. This means that if a user is accustomed to one switch, they will likely find the experience with the other switch very similar, allowing for an easy transition between the two. Thus, whether typing on the HMX Lotus or the Cherry MX Orange, users can expect similar auditory experiences and tactile feedback, thanks to the consistent use of nylon in both switches’ housing design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we notice a distinction in actuation forces, with the Lotus requiring a lighter 45 grams to register a keystroke, while the MX Orange demands a heftier 55 grams. This difference may cater to varied user preferences; the lighter force of the Lotus is beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, providing a more comfortable experience. In contrast, the MX Orange, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing feedback. As for bottom out forces, the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the MX Orange lacks specified data, indicating it may be heavier but leaving uncertainty about its exact value. Overall, the HMX Lotus emerges as the lighter switch, while the Cherry MX Orange is the heavier option, creating distinct experiences based on user preferences for actuation and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The HMX Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lotus offers a more responsive experience, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer faster key actuation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Therefore, if you're looking for quicker response times, the HMX Lotus is the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Orange caters to those who prefer a more traditional, deeper experience when typing or gaming.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 comparing the sound of the HMX Lotus linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange, the Lotus is known for its bright, resonant sound, which contributes to an engaging auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, while the specific sound characteristics of the MX Orange are not directly detailed, it's important to recognize that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on the keycaps and board used. For those seeking a delightful auditory response, the Lotus will likely offer a more vibrant experience.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom out and provides a super bouncy sensation with each keystroke, making typing feel exceptionally responsive and enjoyable. On the other hand, the description of the MX Orange's feel is less defined, leaving some uncertainty. However, linear switches traditionally have a smooth actuation without tactile bumps, so one can expect a reasonably fluid typing experience from the MX Orange as well.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus is characterized by its bright sound and bouncy feel, the Cherry MX Orange may offer a more traditional linear switch experience, though specifics are not fully detailed. If you're someone who appreciates a lively sound profile and an engaging keystroke feel, the Lotus may stand out to you. However, you can still achieve a satisfactory and smooth typing experience with the MX Orange, particularly if you prioritize consistency and a classic linear feel. Ultimately, both switches will provide a reliable performance that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard space.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, your choice should reflect your typing style and preferences. If you favor a keyboard experience that is both light and lively, offering a sparkling audible feedback and a delightful, bouncy feel, the HMX Lotus with its 50g bottom out force would be your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, as the light actuation can enhance your responsiveness. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more traditional typing sensation that balances performance with comfort, you might lean towards the Cherry MX Orange switch. Although detailed specifications like bottom out force are currently unavailable, this switch is renowned for its improved design and the refined feel it offers, making it a solid choice for long typing sessions or casual gaming. Ultimately, consider your specific needs—whether you’re after the energetic feedback of the Lotus or the more classic, comforting experience of the MX Orange—to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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