HMX Lotus vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference and typing style play a crucial role. Two popular options from HMX are the Lotus and the Silent Sakura - 43g, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Lotus switch boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom out with a bright, resonant sound, offering a bouncy, tactile typing experience that many enthusiasts find delightful and engaging. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for those who prioritize a quiet environment, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom out force that provides a whisper-soft typing sensation, ideal for light typists or those working in shared spaces. Each switch caters to different needs: the Lotus for an invigorating, lively feel and the Silent Sakura for a serene and unobtrusive experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your unique typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both switches share a commonality in their top housing -- both are constructed from nylon. This similarity in material results in a consistent acoustic characteristic, where the nylon's softer plastic nature contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The sound profile is muted and rounded, largely due to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This means that regardless of the switch, users can expect a comparable auditory experience on keypress, providing a quiet and more resonant typing environment.
In contrast, the two switches diverge with their choice of bottom housing material. The HMX Lotus utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the same sound profile that is echoed in its top housing. This consistency empowers the user to experience uniformity in both the sound while typing and the bottom-out feel, reinforcing the switch's overall acoustic harmony. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its stiffer constitution, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material difference means that, while the Silent Sakura's bottom housing enhances clarity and resonance, it may introduce a distinct auditory contrast from the Lotus, creating a more pronounced sound upon key bottoming-out.
The impact of the differing bottom housing materials becomes particularly evident when considering the overall typing experience. Given that the bottom housing has a significant influence on bottom-out sound and feel, the polycarbonate of the Silent Sakura - 43g will yield a brighter sound and tactile feedback compared to the uniform, softer characteristics of the Lotus due to both its top and bottom being made of nylon. While users will enjoy a harmonious typing experience with the Lotus, the Silent Sakura - 43g will provide a more dynamic and diverse sound spectrum, making it ideal for those seeking a clearer auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, users seeking a consistent and muted experience should gravitate towards the Lotus, while those desiring sharper clarity may prefer the Silent Sakura due to its distinctive bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Silent Sakura's actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming, where less force is required to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Lotus switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Overall, while both switches are considered light, the Silent Sakura will likely be favored by those seeking a minimal exertion experience, whereas the Lotus may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Lotus offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional typing experience with its lengthier travel, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper key press and a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking faster response times and a more immediate feedback sensation. Therefore, if you're looking for a swifter, more responsive typing experience, the HMX Lotus would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura would be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke depth.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
The HMX Lotus linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that can energize your typing experience. This characteristic is particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, as it adds a certain dynamism to each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a much quieter operation, offering a whisper-soft sound that is akin to gentle raindrops falling against a window. This creates an ideal atmosphere for users who prefer a tranquil typing experience without the noise often associated with mechanical switches. While the sound quality between the two switches differs significantly, both experiences can also be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Lotus switch is celebrated for its super bouncy sensation, providing a delightful tactile response with a bottom-out force of 50g. This medium weight creates a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing speed and accuracy for those who appreciate a bit of feedback with each keypress. On the opposite end, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers an ultra-light touch, requiring only 43g of force to bottom out. This significantly lighter pressure makes it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and who are looking for a smoother, less resistive typing experience. While the differences in force and bounce create distinct typing feelings, both switches ultimately contribute to a pleasurable typing experience, albeit in different ways.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus and Silent Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences, with the Lotus emphasizing a resonant sound and a bouncy feel, and the Silent Sakura prioritizing quietness and a lighter touch. Depending on your typing style—whether you enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback or seek a silent and serene atmosphere—both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. By understanding these qualities, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your personal preferences in sound and feel when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your choice should ultimately reflect your typing style and environment preferences. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a bright sound that adds a bit of character to your keystrokes, the Lotus switch with its 50g bottom-out force is an excellent choice. It offers a delightful feedback that can be both satisfying and energizing, making it ideal for those who want a lively and engaging feel in their mechanical keyboard. However, if you prefer a quieter and more serene typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch stands out with its 43g bottom-out force, providing a feather-light touch that’s perfect for a more focused work environment or late-night typing sessions. The whisper-quiet sound profile of the Silent Sakura mimics the gentle sound of raindrops, ideal for minimal distractions. Therefore, consider your typing habits—whether you seek a dynamic typing sensation or a peaceful atmosphere—to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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