HMX Lotus vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the specific characteristics of each. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch with 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is also a linear switch but stands out for its innovative design, offering a semi-silent experience with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The Jwick switch is known for its silky smooth type feel and falls under categories such as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', and 'Buttery'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and specific needs. 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
62g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, polycarbonate provides a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Lotus and Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches will elicit a similar sound experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent and uniform typing experience, emphasizing the deep and full sound profile associated with this material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Lotus and Semi-Silent Linear differ in their top housing materials, with the Lotus featuring nylon and the Semi-Silent Linear utilizing polycarbonate, they both share the use of nylon in the bottom housing. This ensures that both switches offer a deep and full sound profile, with the top housing material contributing to the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches complement each other to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch differ in weight. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The Lotus offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more substantial push feel, catering to users who prefer a bit more resistance for a satisfying typing experience. While both switches may offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, their weight differences provide distinct options for users seeking either a light or medium typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Lotus provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a bit more depth to each key press, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance – whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 and resonant tone, giving each keystroke a satisfyingly bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound, maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Lotus switch may be more vibrant in sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subtle and dampened sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for a louder versus a quieter typing experience, taking into consideration factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a medium-weight 50g bottom out, providing a delightfully bouncy sensation with each key press. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience that is not overly polished, but still provides a gentle and approachable feel. The Semi-Silent Linear switch also boasts a snappy and buttery typing experience, making it feel more alive and effortless. Ultimately, both switches offer a middle-ground typing experience, catering to a wide range of preferences and comfort levels.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch provides a brighter and more resonant sound with a bouncy feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound with a silky smooth and gentle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique appeal and benefits, so choosing between them will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in your typing experience. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a quality and satisfying typing experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light bottom out force and a bouncy feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be a great choice. It offers a bright and resonant sound that can make typing a delight. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a semi-silent experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch might be more suitable for you. Its whisper-quiet topping-out sound and silky smooth feel provide a unique typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound and feel characteristics when choosing between these two switches. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider what best suits your typing preferences.
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