HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that can turn every keystroke into a delight. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is also a linear switch but offers a quieter typing experience with a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. While the Lotus switch provides a more tactile and lively typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch caters to those who need a more subdued and silent option. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both play a significant role in the sound profile they produce. The Lotus utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing that creates a thinner and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. While both housing materials contribute to the overall sound of the switches, the nylon in the Lotus absorbs more sound than the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black, resulting in a more muted sound.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing of the switches also has an impact on the typing experience. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Lotus affects the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a cushioned typing experience that may be more pleasant for some users. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black contributes to a sharper and more defined bottom-out sound, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Additionally, the top housing of each switch plays a role in the sound produced when a key is released, with the nylon top housing of the Lotus and the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black each contributing to the overall sound profile in different ways.
While the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles, users can expect similar results in terms of durability and quality. Both nylon and the proprietary INK blend are known for their durability and strength, making them reliable options for switch housings. Additionally, the unique sound profiles created by each housing material offer users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the Lotus's nylon housing or a sharper and more distinct sound with the Silent Ink Black's INK blend housing, both switches offer high-quality materials that are designed to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch. The Lotus requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Ink Black needs 60 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out. This makes the Lotus more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a slightly more substantial depth to each key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 provides a bright and resonant typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Depending on your preference for key noise, the Lotus switch will give you a more audible typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black switch will provide a more subdued and peaceful typing session.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch boasts a super bouncy sensation with a medium 50g bottom out weight, creating a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a cushioned and pillow-like bottom-out feel, providing a softer and more plush typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch will ultimately depend on your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and resonant typing experience with a bouncy feel, the HMX Lotus switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing environment with a cushioned and smooth typing feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is the perfect choice. Whichever switch you choose, both options offer a linear actuation for consistent keystrokes, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound, opt for the HMX Lotus switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be the better choice. Additionally, if you value a bouncy feel and a smoother typing experience, the Lotus switch may be more suitable, whereas if you prioritize a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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