HMX Lotus vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Gray mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Lotus switch, known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, offers a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is favored for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Lotus switch may appeal to those seeking a slightly heavier touch and a more resonant sound, the Polaris Gray switch is preferred for its lower pitch, neutral feel, mild touch, thocky sound, and polished finish. 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
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, we can see clear differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and sound absorption properties. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance. While the Lotus offers a duller and rounder sound, the Polaris Gray provides a crisper and more resonant sound, making each switch unique in its acoustic output.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we find a similar trend in material composition and sound profiles between the Lotus and the Polaris Gray. The Lotus's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with greater clarity and resonance. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and feel while typing.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the HMX Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the specific qualities of their respective materials. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while experiencing the sound profile influenced by the top housing when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide distinct acoustic outputs that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Polaris Gray, which has an unspecified actuation force. Additionally, the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Polaris Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lotus make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing force, with the Lotus being the lighter option and the Polaris Gray being the heavier option.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a bit more depth and may feel more satisfying to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize quick response or a more tactile 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 switches are known for their bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. The sound profile of these switches is described as lively and energetic. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer a clean and clacky sound, with a low-pitched and thocky quality. The Polaris Gray switches are more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Lotus switches, providing a different auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, with the Lotus being more bright and resonant while the Polaris Gray is more low-pitched and thocky.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switches offer a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a bouncy and delightful typing experience. The exact feel of these switches is not explicitly described, but the medium weight suggests a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key presses. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel indicates a gentle typing experience, while the polished finish suggests smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience, with the Lotus being more focused on a bouncy feel and the Polaris Gray offering a polished and refined touch.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switches provide a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy typing experience, while the Polaris Gray switches offer a low-pitched and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. If you prefer a lively and bouncy sound with medium weight, the Lotus switches are the way to go. If you prefer a clean and clacky sound with a low-pitched tone and a polished feel, the Polaris Gray switches are the perfect choice. Regardless of your selection, both switches are designed to elevate your typing experience to new heights.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light switch with a bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch with a bottom out force of 67 grams would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
