HMX Lotus vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can greatly affect your typing experience. The HMX Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g are both linear switches, offering smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump often found in other types. The Lotus, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, provides a lively and bouncy feel that many users find delightful for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who prefer a quieter approach; it features a balanced weight of 53g and delivers a typing experience that is as soothing as raindrops, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. Each switch has its unique advantages: the Lotus is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Silent Sakura caters to users valuing silence and a gentle keystroke. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer both similarities and differences that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition. The nylon material absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory quality in terms of subdued sound when pressing the keys, highlighting the effectiveness of nylon in creating a favorable typing environment.
However, the differences shine through in the bottom housings of the two switches. While the HMX Lotus is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction leads to contrasting acoustic properties during use. The nylon bottom of the Lotus continues the trend of softer, more dampened sound, contributing to a homogenous auditory profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura introduces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, allowing for a clearer and more resonant typing experience. This divergence in materials means users will notice varying tonal characteristics at the bottom-out and release sounds, creating distinct auditory signatures for each switch.
Given the differences in bottom housing materials, the tactile and aural experiences will vary between the two switches. With the HMX Lotus's nylon bottom housing dampening and merging with its nylon top housing, users will enjoy a consistent, rounded sound with softer feedback. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, with its polycarbonate bottom, will offer a clearer sound and a more pronounced acoustic response, especially on release. Users choosing between these two switches will find that their preferences for sound clarity versus a muted profile will ultimately guide their selection. In essence, while the top housings promote similarity in sound, the contrasting bottom materials create a distinct variances in overall acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback, giving users different expressive options when typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar ease of activation for both switches. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura reaches a bottom out force of 53 grams. This results in the Lotus being the lighter option overall, providing a slightly softer feel when fully pressed down. The Silent Sakura, being medium-light with its higher bottom out force, offers a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Thus, while both switches have the same actuation force, their differing bottom out forces cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This positions the Lotus as the shorter option in terms of travel distance, providing a snappier press that some users may find beneficial for gaming or fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura, with its longer travel of 4 mm, offers a more pronounced feel and may appeal to those who prefer a more intentional keypress. While both switches serve different user preferences—favoring either responsiveness or satisfying depth—it's worth noting that the Silent Sakura aligns more closely with traditional switch travel distances. Ultimately, if you prefer quicker responses, the shorter travel of the Lotus may be ideal for you, whereas those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Silent Sakura.
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 - 53g 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant tone that is likely to evoke a lively auditory experience with each keystroke. This characteristic makes the Lotus switches more suitable for environments where a bit of sound can enhance the typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g aims for a completely different approach by delivering a whisper-quiet performance, drawing comparisons to the gentle sound of raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura ideal for typists or gamers who prefer a serene typing atmosphere, minimizing any auditory disturbances during use. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding sound, with the impact being shaped by the accompanying keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch is celebrated for its super bouncy sensation, providing a responsive and enjoyable experience with every press. This medium weight of 50g bottom-out force gives typists a satisfying feedback that can make typing feel fluid and energetic. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a lighter, yet purposeful feel, ensuring that each keystroke remains gratifying while still being soft enough to provide comfort during extended typing sessions. The additional weight of 53g lends a slightly firmer response compared to the Lotus, catering to those who might prefer a little extra resistance without sacrificing smoothness.
In summary, the HMX Lotus and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer distinct sound and feel dynamics that cater to different typing preferences. The Lotus provides a vibrant auditory feedback and a bouncy feel, making it great for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura focuses on a quiet sound profile and a softer touch, ideal for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you favor an energetic typing atmosphere or a calming, understated approach, as these characteristics will significantly shape your overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a light, responsive switch that delivers a bright and resonant sound, the HMX Lotus is an excellent option, especially if you want that satisfying bouncy feel with each keystroke. This makes it ideal for gaming or where you appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you require a quieter experience—perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night typing sessions—the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes into play with its nearly silent operation, providing a gentle and pleasant acoustic environment while still offering a medium-light tactile resistance. Its balanced weight also ensures that each keypress is satisfying without being overly taxing on your fingers. Therefore, consider your environment and what sensation you prefer from your switches; either choice caters to different needs.
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