HMX Lotus vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Kailh Plum offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lotus, a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a super bouncy feeling and a bright, resonant sound that makes each keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Plum, a tactile switch categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped', feels quite hefty without featuring a huge tactile bump, offering a unique typing experience. While the Lotus excels in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Plum stands out for its weightiness and unique tactile 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and Kailh Plum both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Lotus utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Plum uses polycarbonate for the top housing. This means that the Plum will have a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Lotus. The difference in housing materials between the two switches gives typists the option to choose between a rounder sound profile with the Lotus or a crisper sound profile with the Plum.
In terms of aesthetics, the Lotus features a classic switch housing material in nylon for both the top and bottom, giving it a more traditional look. On the other hand, the Plum's polycarbonate top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. This difference in housing materials not only affects the sound profile of the switches but also the visual appeal, with the Plum offering a more modern and customizable option for users who prioritize aesthetics.
While both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing, the choice between the Lotus and Plum ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Lotus provides a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience, while the Plum's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a more dynamic sound profile with sharper tones. Whether you prefer a classic and traditional feel with the Lotus or a more modern look with customizable RGB lighting options with the Plum, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there is a clear distinction in weight. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light and gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Plum has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a heavier and more substantial feel while typing. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, ideal for those looking for a swift typing experience. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Plum provides a more tactile and robust typing experience, preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for quick key presses during gameplay. However, individuals who prefer a more traditional feel with a bit more depth may lean towards the Plum tactile switch due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference between 3.5 mm and 3.6 mm is minimal, so both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 provides a bright, resonant sound that adds a lively element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for various typing scenarios. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch offers a super bouncy sensation with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a delightful typing experience. Meanwhile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch delivers a unique feel with a hefty weight but a less pronounced tactile bump, offering a distinct typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Plum switch features a stepped design, providing a mild feel with stages in the keystroke process.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a brighter, resonant sound with a bouncy feel, the Lotus switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a neutral sound profile with a unique tactile experience and a stepped design, the Plum switch could be a great option. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, and the choice between them will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your preference for a bouncy feel with a lighter actuation force or a hefty feel with a medium-heavy actuation force. If you enjoy a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy typing experience, the Lotus switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique, moderate tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a more lively and bouncy feel with the Lotus or a more moderate and neutral feel with the Plum.
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