HMX Lotus vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Kailh Sage offer distinct typing experiences. The Lotus, a linear switch, boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that makes every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Sage, a clicky switch, offers a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness that adds a distinctive touch to typing. For those who prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke, the Lotus may be the ideal choice, while the Sage is perfect for those seeking an invigorating, sharp, and crunchy typing experience. 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 housing materials of the HMX Lotus and Kailh Sage switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic nature. While the Lotus's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound, the Sage's nylon bottom housing shares similar sound-absorbing qualities, producing a comparable dull and round sound profile.
Despite their differences, both the Lotus and Sage switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a similar impact on sound and feel when pressed. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience across the switches. However, the differentiation in the top housing materials between the switches leads to varying sound profiles when keys are released. The Lotus's nylon top housing lends a duller sound upon key release, while the Sage's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and resonant sound, offering distinct auditory feedback.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and Kailh Sage switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Lotus's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Sage's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound profile. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, enhancing the typing experience with a consistent and pleasant sound. Whether prioritizing a deeper sound profile or a crisper sound resonance, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus has a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Sage has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus allows for quicker key presses and is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Sage provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance for the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Lotus with its shorter travel distance may be more favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sage may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Sage 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant typing experience, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a distinct crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound produced by each switch is subjective and can vary depending on the user's preferences, as well as other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a delightful tactile sensation while typing. The Kailh Sage switch, on the other hand, offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, with a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump on the Kailh Sage switch is distinctly felt with each keypress, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bouncy and resonant typing experience, the Sage switch offers a crunchy clicky sound and an invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy bouncy and resonant typing with a medium weight, the HMX Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky sound and a sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great option. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, giving you similar results in terms of performance and quality.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between HMX Lotus linear switches and Kailh Sage clicky switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth, bouncy keystroke with a light 50g bottom out force, and prefer a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switches may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier 70g bottom out force, and enjoy a sharp, crunchy sound, the Kailh Sage switches might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
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