HMX Lotus vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver can significantly influence your typing experience, especially depending on your intended use. The HMX Lotus is celebrated for its medium bottom-out weight of 50g and its bright, resonant sound, offering a super bouncy feel that adds a touch of delight to every keystroke, making it a fantastic option for typists who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver boasts an impressive design aimed at delivering rapid response times, featuring a low spring resistance that enables instantaneous actuation—essential for gamers where reaction times are critical. While both switches are linear, they cater to distinct audiences: Lotus for those who savor auditory feedback and a lively typing sensation, and Speed Silver for competitive gamers yearning for speed and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, with both models containing nylon in their top and bottom housings. This uniformity in material contributes to a similar acoustic profile for both switches. By using nylon, both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as this particular plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. This characteristic allows users to experience a more muted and rounded audio output, making both typing experiences pleasingly soft and less jarring compared to switches that utilize harder plastics.
When considering the design of these switches, it is crucial to recognize that while the housing materials share similarities, the overall feel and performance might still vary due to internal components like the spring weight or key switch design. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing impacts the sound profile as the key is released. Given that both the Lotus and MX Speed Silver employ nylon for both their top and bottom housings, users are likely to experience a consistency in sound characteristics and tactile feedback across both switches, whether they are typing or gaming.
However, even though both the HMX Lotus and Cherry MX Speed Silver utilize nylon for their housing, subtle variations in construction or design could lead to distinct user experiences. For instance, factors such as the pivot point of the key, the shape of the stem, or the overall weight of the switch could introduce differences in feel or sound that deviate from the expected norm established by their shared nylon construction. Overall, while the nylon material itself is a significant commonality that fosters similar results in terms of sound, the nuances in design can lead to a unique experience for users who engage with each switch type.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch exhibit some similarities as well as notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light and suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as they require minimal force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Lotus switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, which leaves one wondering how it would compare in terms of resistance when fully pressed. This means that while both switches provide the same initial actuation feel, the Lotus offers a more substantial resistance upon bottoming out, appealing to those who might prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the Lotus switch is the heavier option overall, particularly at the bottom of the keystroke, while the MX Speed Silver's specific characteristics during bottoming out remain unclear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we find a subtle difference between the two. The Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance may offer a faster activation point, which can be especially beneficial for gamers seeking quick reaction times. Conversely, the Lotus's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing a key, providing a greater depth to each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver 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
The HMX Lotus linear switch is renowned for its bright, resonant sound, which adds an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. The sound produced is lively and sparkly, distinguishing it from other switches that may offer a more subdued auditory profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound, producing a deep and satisfying thud that resonates through the keyboard. When combined with the right board and keycaps, the Speed Silver delivers a bass-heavy tone that is both rich and mellow, appealing to users who enjoy a robust auditory response.
Regarding feel, the Lotus switch is noted for providing a super bouncy sensation with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out. This bounce translates into an enjoyable and dynamic typing experience that many find delightful. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver features a textured feedback due to its slightly scratchy nature. This texture can be polarizing; some users appreciate the tactile friction, while others may prefer a smoother experience. Overall, the Lotus emphasizes a buoyant and playful feel, while the Speed Silver focuses on a stimulating, responsive action ideal for rapid inputs.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different preferences. The Lotus provides a bright sound profile combined with an uplifting feel, creating a delightful typing environment. In contrast, the Speed Silver stands out with its deep, resonant thock and textured feedback, making it particularly appealing to gamers seeking quick and responsive action. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference—if you desire lively auditory feedback and a bouncy feel, the Lotus is your go-to; if you prioritize speed and a unique texture, then the Speed Silver would be ideal.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it’s essential to consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium weight with a bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch is an excellent choice. Its delightful keystroke feedback can enhance your typing experience, making it suitable for both casual use and typing-intensive tasks. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer who prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the better option. Its design focuses on quick actuation and minimal resistance, which can provide an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, if you prefer a deeper, low-pitched sound with a thocky quality and are okay with a textured keystroke, the Speed Silver complements a more immersive gaming atmosphere. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing and gaming matter most to you—whether it’s smoothness and sound or speed and responsive feedback—before making your final decision.
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