HMX Lotus vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch to the BSUN Olive tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Lotus switch stands out with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that makes every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Olive switch boasts all-POM housings, delivering a deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback that ensures a crisp, sharp bottom-out. While the Lotus offers a smooth linear typing experience, the Olive provides a satisfying tactile response with an invigorating 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
45g
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
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Olive, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Olive utilizes a POM top housing, which is said to produce an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side while being relatively more muted. This contrast in top housing materials can result in a noticeably different typing experience for users of each switch.
Another point of comparison between the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Olive is their bottom housing materials. Both switches use different materials for their bottom housings, with the Lotus employing nylon and the Olive utilizing POM. Nylon is preferred for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, while POM is known for its pleasing and unique sound that is more on the muted side. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of the key press, making each switch distinct in its own right.
In terms of overall typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each key press. While the Lotus and Olive may have similar characteristics in their top or bottom housing materials, the combination of both materials in a switch can result in a unique typing experience. Users will likely notice differences in sound and feel based on the nuances of each housing material, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial pressure needed to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force sets them apart, with the Lotus requiring 50 grams and the Olive needing 65 grams to fully depress the switch. This makes the Lotus the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue from heavy key presses could be a concern. In contrast, the Olive offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel for enhanced feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of key resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. Gamers who prioritize quick reactions may prefer the Lotus switch due to its slightly longer travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Olive switch with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant for some users, as both options offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Lotus switch offers a bright, resonant sound while the Olive switch provides a deep, resonant sound. The Lotus has a bouncy feeling while typing, creating a lively auditory experience. On the other hand, the Olive switch has a pronounced tactile feedback due to its unique design and long pole stem, resulting in a crisp and sharp bottom-out sound. Both switches can provide a satisfying sound experience, but the Lotus may be more vibrant and lively compared to the Olive.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch is characterized by a medium weight of 50g bottom out, which contributes to its bouncy feeling. On the other hand, the Olive switch is described as having accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This means that the Olive switch offers a medium tactile sensation with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch also provides a responsive and immersive typing experience, making each keypress distinct and satisfying. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Lotus being more focused on a bouncy feel and the Olive offering a pronounced tactile bump.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feeling, while the Olive switch delivers a deep, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, users may choose between these switches based on their desired auditory and tactile experiences. If you prefer a livelier and bouncier typing sensation, the Lotus may be the better choice, while if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your preference for a light, bouncy feel with a bright sound versus a medium-heavy, tactile experience with a deep, resonant sound. If you enjoy a super bouncy keystroke and a resonant, bright sound, the Lotus switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback with a deep, satisfying sound, the Olive switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the feel or the sound of the switch in your typing experience.
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