HMX Lotus vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Haimu Orange Sea, both linear switches, present exciting yet distinct choices for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Lotus is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottoming out, offering a delightful, bouncy experience that enhances every keystroke with a bright and resonant sound. This switch falls into a unique category of being clacky, bouncy, feathery, and silky, making it a great option for those who enjoy a dynamic typing feel and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide an impeccably smooth typing experience, featuring a more neutral sound signature. Categorized as accented and invigorating, this switch caters to those who prefer a more understated auditory environment without sacrificing the satisfaction of linear actuation. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and sound preference; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Haimu Orange Sea, a distinctive contrast emerges with respect to their top housings. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic generates a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly desirable for users who prefer an audible typing experience. The aesthetic distinction is also notable, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, further enhancing the switch's visual appeal.
However, both the Lotus and Orange Sea share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both are constructed from nylon. This presents a unifying factor that influences the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, akin to the qualities found in the Lotus's own top housing. When pressed, both models will evoke a similar tactile and auditory experience characterized by the softer, more absorbent nature of nylon, regardless of the difference in their top housing materials. This consistency highlights that while the top and bottom materials differ, they can still yield complementary sound characteristics, merging into a richer typing sensation.
Despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, the overall acoustic response when typing on either switch can still be harmoniously balanced. The impact of the top housing on sound is pronounced during the key lift, while the bottom housing's influence comes into play upon bottoming out. Thus, in practice, the Lotus with its nylon top and the Orange Sea with its polycarbonate top, both benefitting from nylon bottoms, will encapsulate a fusion of auditory experiences. This interplay allows for a diverse range of sound reactions during use, illustrating how different materials can work together to create an enjoyable typing experience with distinct yet complementary qualities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Lotus features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea is easier to press down initially, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch during typing or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial typing experience for those who favor stronger tactile feedback. Overall, both switches are considered light, but the Orange Sea stands out as the lighter option, making it preferable for extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the HMX Lotus measures 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Orange Sea, with its longer travel distance, might provide a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer, as it offers a bit more depth with every keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference: those who favor quicker actions might gravitate towards the Lotus, while those who appreciate a deeper feedback may lean towards the Orange Sea.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch stands out with its bright and resonant acoustics, producing a clacky tone that is crisp and percussive with every keystroke. This character lends a lively auditory experience, enhancing the engagement enjoyed by typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea doesn't have a specified sound profile but is noted for its neutral sound signature. This suggests that while the Orange Sea may not provide the same vibrant auditory feedback as the Lotus, it might offer a more subdued and balanced sound experience, which could be ideal for those who prefer a quieter workspace.
In terms of feel, the Lotus Linear switch is exceptional, characterized by a super bouncy sensation combined with feathery and silky attributes. This blend creates a dynamic experience during typing, whereby the key provides a delightful rebound that feels both light and cushioned against your fingers. Users can expect a high level of comfort even during extended sessions due to this gentle resistance. Contrastingly, the Orange Sea offers a unique feel with its accented and invigorating characteristics. While it may not have the bounce of the Lotus, it does provide a snappy and reactive experience thanks to its pronounced feedback, making it engaging but in a different way.
In summary, while the HMX Lotus and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches differ in their sound profiles and tactile qualities, both embody unique attributes that cater to distinct preferences. If you cherish a lively auditory experience and a dynamic, bouncy feel, the Lotus would likely be your go-to. However, for those who lean toward a neutral sound and pronounced feedback without the bounce, the Orange Sea provides a smooth, invigorating typing sensation that remains satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value auditory engagement or a more minimalist sound alongside a different tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you thrive on a lively, energetic typing experience and enjoy that delightful bounce and a more pronounced sound, the Lotus is your go-to option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force, along with its clacky and feathery feel, makes it great for users who want a rewarding keystroke that adds some character to their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more subdued typing experience with understated sound, the Haimu Orange Sea might be the better choice for you. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and its silky, invigorating feel, these switches cater well to those who appreciate a seamless, efficient typing process without the distraction of excessive noise. Both switches are excellent in their own right, so consider your individual typing habits, whether you prefer a more responsive and vibrant feedback or a soft and smooth keystroke, to make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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