HMX Lotus vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus and Jwick Splash Brothers are two options that stand out for their unique features. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch known for its medium 50g bottom out weight and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a shorter activation and long pole stem, giving it a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. While the Lotus is categorized as 'neutral', the Splash Brothers falls into categories like 'mild', 'snappy', 'bouncy', 'subtle', and 'polished'. Each switch has its own appeal and advantages, but to truly determine the best fit for your needs, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics and performance.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers, we see a stark difference in the materials used. The Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
On the other hand, when we look at the bottom housing materials of the two switches, we find a surprising similarity. Both the Lotus and the Splash Brothers use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches aim to provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. So, while the top housings may offer distinct sound profiles, the bottom housings ensure a familiar and consistent typing experience across both switches.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Lotus provides a deep and full sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers offers a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences in top housing, both switches share a common ground with their nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a clear and resonant sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 45 grams, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch does not have a specified actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, while the Splash Brothers only needs 48 grams. This makes the Splash Brothers slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force for the Lotus is on the lighter side, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Splash Brothers provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer different levels of force for actuation and bottom out, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results with either switch, depending on their personal preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on either key, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to other switches on the market, providing a quick and responsive typing experience. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation point when using either the Lotus or Splash Brothers linear switch. However, while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its smoother and more stable keystrokes compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers switch, which may impact the overall typing experience for some users.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 Lotus switch from HMX is best known for its bright, resonant sound that provides a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight of 50g bottom out. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch is described as having a creamy sound signature, with a neutral profile making it suitable for various typing tasks. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Lotus offering a more vibrant tone and the Splash Brothers providing a smoother, creamier sound.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch is best known for its super bouncy feeling that makes every keystroke a delight. However, specific descriptors or qualities about the feel of the Lotus switch are not provided. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. This means that the Splash Brothers switch provides a gentle and responsive typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, making it suitable for a wide range of users and preferences.
Overall, while the Lotus and Splash Brothers switches offer different sound profiles and feel qualities, they both provide a unique typing experience that can cater to various preferences. Whether you prefer a more vibrant and bouncy sound like the Lotus switch or a smoother and creamier sound like the Splash Brothers switch, both options offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference, typing style, and the specific feel and sound characteristics that you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches from HMX may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align more closely with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.
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