HMX Lotus vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Akko Rosewood offer distinct experiences for users who prefer linear options. The HMX Lotus, with its medium weight of 50g and a bright, resonant sound profile, delivers a delightful, bouncy feedback that enhances the tactile pleasure of each keystroke. This switch is often described as clacky, feathery, and silky, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood offers a more subdued yet deeply satisfying thocky sound, attributed to a factory-applied lubricant that smoothens the keystrokes straight out of the box. While the Rosewood may appeal to those seeking a more grounded auditory experience, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you favor a vibrant and responsive feel or a deep, rich sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Akko Rosewood both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom components. This commonality brings forth a distinctive acoustic property shared by both switches. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it is known to absorb sound more efficiently than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is pleasant for users. The similar design intention behind the use of nylon in both models indicates an aim to deliver a satisfying auditory experience, enhancing the overall feel while typing through a muted resonance that avoids harsh clanging sounds typically associated with switches made from harder materials.
In examining the impact of the nylon housing on tactile feedback and acoustics, both the Lotus and Rosewood displays a harmonious interplay between the top and bottom housings. The unique structure of these switches means that when engaged, the softer nylon bottom housing primarily determines the bottom-out sound and feel upon actuation. Concurrently, the top housing also contributes significantly when the key is released, thus encompassing a holistic sound profile that is deep and rounded. Because both the Lotus and Rosewood employ identical materials in both housing components, users can expect a uniform acoustic experience that promotes both comfort and satisfaction during prolonged typing sessions, regardless of the model chosen.
In contrast, while the material composition remains the same, slight variances in the design or internal components of the switches might influence their final performance. However, since both rely on nylon for their entire housing structure, any distinct differences in typing experience would likely pertain to other factors rather than material choice. Therefore, if a keyboard enthusiast seeks a richer auditory experience combined with tactile feedback, both the HMX Lotus and the Akko Rosewood will yield similar results, providing a balanced, soft-touch typing experience that should meet the preferences of users who appreciate a warmer sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both have unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Lotus features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Akko Rosewood is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Rosewood a lighter option overall, which is ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended periods of use, like at work or during long gaming sessions. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that regardless of the lighter actuation force in the Rosewood, both switches will require the same amount of force to fully depress. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the heavier actuation force of the Lotus, while the lighter Rosewood offers a more responsive touch for users who prioritize speed and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a quicker response time, the Lotus is the better choice, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster keystrokes—often preferred by gamers who seek heightened responsiveness. Conversely, the Rosewood, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and hearty feel, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed and quickness or a more substantial depth in your keystrokes.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 is known for its bright, clacky acoustics that produce a sharp and snappy auditory feedback upon actuation. This vibrant sound profile adds a lively ambiance to your typing experience, making each keystroke feel engaging and dynamic. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch offers a deep and satisfying thocky sound, a characteristic that's enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This more subdued and resonant sound lends itself to a solid, impactful feel, providing a rich auditory experience that is calming yet gratifying compared to the more energetic tones of the Lotus switch.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch stands out with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a delightful bouncy sensation that evokes a sense of springiness with every press. The combination of bounciness, feather-light engagement, and silky smoothness in key travel enhances the overall texture, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use. Conversely, the tactile qualities of the Rosewood switch are not specified, but this switch is generally expected to provide a linear and smooth typing experience. While both switches may ultimately offer a satisfying feel through their various designs, the Lotus switch notably emphasizes a lively and responsive feedback, whereas the feel of the Rosewood remains undefined.
In summary, both the HMX Lotus and Akko Rosewood linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lotus excels in delivering a bright, engaging sound combined with a lively, smooth feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy a percussive sound with responsive feedback. The Rosewood, while offering a more muted yet rich sound, remains a strong choice thanks to its deep thocky tones. While the subjective qualities of the Rosewood in terms of feel are unknown, users may find satisfactory performance in both switches depending on their typing style and sound preference. Ultimately, if you appreciate either lively acoustics or deep thocky sounds, either switch can deliver stellar results when paired with the right keyboard and keycap combination.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus and the Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy keystroke that adds a delightful feedback sensation, the Lotus is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound enhances the overall experience, making it perfect for users who engage in frequent typing or gaming sessions and appreciate a more dynamic auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more satisfying "thock" sound and a smoother typing experience, the Rosewood switches would suit you better. They are particularly advantageous for those who prioritize a richly textured sound profile and may appreciate the added dimension of factory lubrication, which contributes to a solid, velvety feel. Overall, your decision should align with whether you seek a bright and responsive typing rhythm or a rich and fulfilling auditory feedback, thus tailoring your keyboard to best meet your individual needs.
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