HMX Lotus vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus and HMX Perky both offer distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Lotus is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound that delivers a super bouncy feel, making every keystroke a delightful experience. This makes the Lotus a great choice for typists and gamers who appreciate tactile feedback alongside audible response. On the other hand, the HMX Perky, crafted with softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a wonderfully neutral typing experience characterized by its shorter travel distance, leading to a more condensed and efficient keystroke. As such, the Perky is ideal for those who prefer a smoother action with less force required. While both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and HMX Perky both utilize nylon as their exclusive housing material for both the top and bottom of their switches. This consistency in material choice results in striking similarities in the acoustic characteristics of both keyboards. Nylon being a softer plastic creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound waves and contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Users can expect both models to evoke the same pleasant typing sound, emanating from the synergy of their nylon components that dampen harshness and enhance the overall tactile feedback provided during use.
While both the HMX Lotus and HMX Perky share identical materials for their switch housings, the design choices surrounding the dimensions, shape, or internal mechanisms may still create subtle distinctions in feel or sound. For instance, if the bottom housing possesses variations in weight or contour, that could alter the bottom-out feel—the tactile feedback experienced when a key is fully pressed down. Conversely, the impact of the top housing on the sound produced upon releasing a key could differ slightly depending on how the two models manage the escape of sound from their interiors, even though both are crafted from the same nylon composition.
In conclusion, because the HMX Lotus and HMX Perky are constructed with nylon throughout, users are presented with a unified auditory experience characterized by the rich and rounded tones typical of nylon switch housings. Despite any potential differences in design that might modify certain tactile profiles, the overall sound and feel remain consistently satisfying across both models. Therefore, those opting for either the Lotus or Perky can trust that they will enjoy a similar typing experience rooted in the same fundamental qualities, chiefly due to the shared use of nylon in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus and HMX Perky linear switches, both exhibit lightweight characteristics, making them suitable for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Lotus features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Perky has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while also matching the Lotus with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to reach the bottom, the Perky switch is marginally lighter when it comes to actuation, making it potentially more appealing for those who prefer a less forceful keystroke. Overall, if you seek a softer typing experience, the HMX Perky would be the better option, whereas the HMX Lotus offers a bit more resistance with its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Lotus boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Lotus has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile experience for those who appreciate a hearty depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Perky's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more responsive feel. In this case, users who prefer a slight edge in speed might gravitate towards the Perky, while those who enjoy a bit more depth will likely opt for the Lotus. Overall, the difference is minimal, but it can cater to varying preferences between responsiveness and depth in the 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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 sound profile of the HMX Lotus linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant tone that provides an engaging auditory sensation with each keystroke. This sound is enriched by its medium weight of 50g, which lends a pleasant, elevated quality to typing. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch focuses on a more subdued auditory experience. While specific sound characteristics are not detailed, the softer and glittery nylon housings likely contribute to a quieter and less pronounced sound, making the Perky feel more discreet in comparison to the Lotus. It's important to remember that both switches' acoustics can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus offers a super bouncy typing experience, which pairs perfectly with its medium actuation weight. This unique quality allows each keystroke to feel lively and responsive, resulting in a dynamic typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Conversely, the HMX Perky linear switch delivers a neutral and deeply satisfying feel while also providing a more condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance. The softer nature of the Perky switch creates a gentle typing sensation that might appeal to those who prefer a more laid-back approach.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus and HMX Perky switches cater to different preferences while maintaining their linear qualities. The Lotus stands out with its bright sound and bouncy feel, making it ideal for those seeking an engaging and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Perky offers a softer, more neutral touch that focuses on comfort and discretion. Altogether, whether one prefers the excitement of the Lotus or the calming nature of the Perky, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to different typists' needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Lotus and HMX Perky linear switches, you should consider what aspects of your typing experience matter most to you. If you enjoy a lively and engaging feel with a bright, resonant sound that provides a sense of bounce and joy with every keystroke, the HMX Lotus would be your ideal choice. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a dynamic typing experience and want to add a bit of excitement to their daily tasks, whether that's typing up documents or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued environment with a softer and more neutral feel, the HMX Perky is a fantastic option. Its glittery, nylon housing offers a satisfying, condensed typing experience with a gentler sound profile. This makes the Perky switch a great fit for long typing sessions, where comfort and subtle feedback are essential. Ultimately, your selection between these two switches should align with your typing style and personal preferences to create the most enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
