HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Oil King stand out for their unique qualities. The Lotus switch, with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, offers a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Oil King switch is revered for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. While the Lotus switch provides a delightful typing experience with its bright sound and medium weight, the Oil King offers a smooth, creamy operation with a dark, sophisticated sound profile. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and Gateron Oil King switches are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on switches that use nylon housings will offer a unique sound experience compared to switches made with other materials.
However, the bottom housings of the Lotus and Oil King switches differ in material. While the Lotus features a nylon bottom housing that contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, the Oil King utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This blend is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is satisfyingly thin and clacky. The difference in bottom housing material can greatly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the top housings of both the HMX Lotus and Gateron Oil King switches remain consistent with their use of nylon. This means that the sound profile when releasing a key will be similar between the two switches, maintaining the deeper and fuller sound characteristic of nylon housings. Overall, while there may be variations in sound profile due to different bottom housing materials, the top housings of both switches will contribute to a comparable typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch. The Lotus requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Lotus is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch and may benefit from longer typing sessions, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a significant impact on the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Lotus with its shorter travel distance, allowing for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Oil King with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound that provides a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight of 50g bottom out. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch gives off a low-pitched and bassy sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the Lotus switch may have a more vibrant and lively sound, the Oil King switch offers a deeper and richer tone that some users may find more satisfying, depending on their preference and setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Lotus switch's tactile experience is not specified in the information provided. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. The Oil King switch is also described as polished, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. Users who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing sensation may lean towards the Oil King switch for its luxurious feel.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bright and bouncy sound with a medium-weight feel, the Oil King switch delivers a low-pitched, bassy sound with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feel, both switches are sure to enhance the typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to the individual's preference for sound and typing feel, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy feeling, the HMX Lotus switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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