HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The HMX Lotus is renowned for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, delivering a super bouncy feel that makes each keystroke a delight. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers an equally satisfying experience while emphasizing a smooth, luxurious typing feel thanks to its all-POM construction, all at a budget-friendly price point. With its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, the Smoothie caters to those who want a rich auditory feedback combined with a seamless action. Each switch has its unique features tailored to different preferences, making it important to consider your typing style and sound preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, a key difference is apparent in their choice of plastics. The Lotus employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer qualities that contribute to a fuller, deeper sound profile when typing. This inherent dampening effect of nylon allows for a rounder and more muted auditory experience, making typing on these switches feel more refined and less harsh. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housings, a plastic that, while also promoting a muted sound, produces a unique auditory quality distinct from that of nylon. Although both materials lend themselves to a similar sound profile, the characteristics they impart are achieved through different inherent properties of the plastics used.
While the Lotus's nylon housing delivers a consistent depth across both the top and bottom components, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a divergence in its sound attributes between its top and bottom housing. The impact of these materials on the overall switch performance is indeed significant; the softer nylon in the Lotus creates a cohesive sound experience, with both components working together to create a duller acoustic signature. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie refines the sound stage even further by offering a unique tonality on key release while allowing the softer bottom housing to manage the sound produced during the actuation. This division suggests that while both switches may produce muted sounds, their tonal characteristics are shaped differently due to the material variations.
Ultimately, typing experiences on both the HMX Lotus and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches can yield similar results in terms of sound dampening and depth, despite their different housing materials. The Lotus's nylon construction ensures a consistent auditory experience aligned with its tactile feedback, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its POM housing, introduces a nuanced auditory signature while still maintaining a fuller sound. Typists may find that both switches cater to a preference for quieter, more muffled sounds, reinforcing the idea that while the substances may be distinct, the resulting typing experience can achieve parallel effects in practice.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we notice some distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize ease of typing over long periods, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force at 48 grams, offering a more substantial push feel, but its bottom out force remains unknown. Since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unspecified, it's difficult to compare that aspect directly. This uncertainty leaves users with an incomplete assessment of its overall feel. In summary, the Lotus is the lighter option overall, while the Sea Salt Smoothie presents a heavier actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences are clear. The HMX Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie at 3.7 mm offers a slightly longer travel distance. This indicates that users of the Lotus switch may experience a quicker response time, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s longer travel distance might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, providing a deeper, more deliberate typing experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the choice between them hinges on the individual's inclination towards shorter, more responsive strokes or longer, more pronounced 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 characterized by a bright, resonant tone that can create an engaging auditory experience during typing. This lively sound, alongside the switch's medium weight, enhances the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile that provides a deeper, more subdued acoustic response. The thocky quality gives the Smoothie a distinct character, making it feel substantial without overwhelming the auditory landscape. However, it’s essential to remember that the sound output from both switches can be influenced by the type of keyboard used and the material of the keycaps, which can slightly alter their respective acoustic signatures.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch excels with a super bouncy sensation, resulting in a delightful typing experience. The 50g bottom-out weight strikes a balance between being neither too heavy nor too light, contributing to a lively responsiveness that can make typing enjoyable. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, made entirely of POM, is recognized for its exceptional smoothness in actuation. This smooth feel can make keystrokes more seamless and satisfying for users who appreciate fluid typing experiences. While both switches offer positive tactile engagements, the Lotus switch leans towards a more buoyant interaction, whereas the Smoothie emphasizes smooth performance.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences geared toward enhancing the typing experience. The Lotus provides a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy feel, making it uplifting for users, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a thocky sound and outstanding smoothness, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued yet refined touch. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch could lead to satisfying results, with the choice ultimately reflecting one's typing style and aesthetic preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding tactility, sound, and typing experience. If you lean towards a bouncier, more responsive feel with a bright, resonant sound, then the Lotus is likely the right switch for you. Its relatively light 50g bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, making it an ideal choice for those who type quickly or enjoy gaming, as you’ll benefit from fast actuation and an enjoyable acoustic feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more muted "thocky" sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would suit you better. Its premium POM construction promotes exceptional fluidity, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Therefore, consider whether you prefer a lively bounce or a smooth, more subdued experience when making your selection, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
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