HMX Lotus vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, one can find distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling to make every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is also a linear switch but is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. While the Lotus offers a lighter and more bouncy typing experience, the Nixie provides a heavier and textured feel. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and Cherry Nixie switches are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than other plastics, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This results in a unique typing experience for users of both the Lotus and Nixie switches, with a focus on sound quality and overall feel.
Both the top and bottom housings of the Lotus and Nixie switches are made of nylon, providing consistency in the typing experience across the entire switch. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of these switches. This similarity in housing materials ensures that users will get a consistent sound and feel no matter which switch they choose, making it easier to transition between different keyboards.
However, the housing materials of the Lotus and Nixie switches may vary in terms of the impact they have on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Understanding the role of each housing material in the switch can help users differentiate between the two switches and choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams. Similarly, the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Lotus switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a keyboard for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Nixie switch will offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. A 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Nixie provides a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market today. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 is known for its bright, resonant noise that adds a playful element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as providing a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, users can expect a pleasing noise from either switch depending on personal preference and other factors such as keyboard build and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch is praised for its medium weight and bouncy sensation, making typing a delightful experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile typing experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a smooth and bouncy feel or a textured typing experience.
Overall, while the HMX Lotus and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel or a thocky sound with a textured typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, users can expect satisfactory results with either switch depending on their personal taste and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a bouncy, resonant sound, the Lotus switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a substantial heft and a textured typing experience, the Nixie switch with its 80g bottom out force may be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch as well to help make your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lotus and Cherry Nixie linear switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
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