HMX Lotus vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style, and two popular contenders are the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Taichi, both linear switches that offer distinct experiences. The HMX Lotus is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, delivering a delightful, bouncy feeling with each keystroke. Its bright, resonant sound adds a pleasing acoustic element that many typists and gamers find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches focus on an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, enhanced by a long-pole stem and extended springs, which result in an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience. While the Lotus excites with its responsive feedback, the Taichi emphasizes a velvety glide that lends itself to long hours of comfortable typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Taichi, a notable contrast emerges particularly in their top housings. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material’s softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making the key presses distinctly noticeable. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances visual appeal for those who incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, revealing a stark difference in aesthetic and auditory experiences between the two.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both models are made from nylon, which brings a consistent quality to the sound produced when bottoming out a key. Both the Lotus and Taichi exhibit deeper and fuller sound profiles arising from their nylon construction, underscoring a shared characteristic that allows users to experience a more muted sound when pressing the keys down fully. This commonality in material choice for the bottom housing ensures that both models deliver a satisfying and resonant bottom-out feel, effectively demonstrating the impact of housing materials on tactile feedback and auditory experiences. Here, the sound produced remains relatively similar across both switches, regardless of the differences found in the top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of varied top housing materials in the Lotus and Taichi results in a nuanced user experience that caters to different preferences while sharing common bottom housing characteristics. Users seeking a rich and deeper sound might gravitate towards the Lotus’s nylon top, while those desiring brightness and clarity could prefer the Taichi’s polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing fosters a sense of familiarity and quality in the bottoming-out experience for both switches. This duality allows for a unique audio profile that can appeal to a broad audience while showcasing the distinctive properties of each material.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Lotus requiring a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Taichi's lighter 40 grams. This means that the Taichi switch may offer a more effortless typing experience, particularly suitable for long periods of use or intense gaming sessions, making it a better choice for users who prioritize lighter switches. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus again has the advantage with a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Taichi's bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of information on the Taichi might leave users uncertain about its feel when bottoming out, whereas the Lotus presents a clear understanding of its heavier bottom out experience. Overall, if you prefer a lighter option for extended use or gaming, the Bsun Taichi's actuation force might be more appealing, while the HMX Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there is a slight difference that may influence user preference. The Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taichi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Lotus, you'll experience a shorter overall keypress, which could provide a quicker response time that many gamers favor. On the other hand, the Taichi's increased travel distance might offer a more substantial feeling during use, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth when typing. Ultimately, while both are relatively similar, the Lotus is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prioritize rapid keystrokes, whereas the Taichi caters to those who prefer a deeper keypress 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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 is renowned for its bright, resonant notes that accompany each keystroke, creating a lively auditory experience. This upbeat sound can energize your typing sessions, making it enjoyable and satisfying. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi linear switch produces an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, characterized by its unique design elements like a long-pole stem. This sound profile offers a pleasing auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience. It’s worth noting that factors such as the keyboard’s material and the type of keycaps used can also affect how these switches sound, but both the Lotus and Taichi promise a lively acoustic presence that users might find appealing.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Lotus switch is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at the bottom-out, providing a super bouncy sensation that contributes to a delightful keystroke experience. It encourages a responsive feel that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch features a long-pole stem and extended springs, ensuring smooth and stable key presses. This combination translates to a luxurious typing experience with a focus on fluidity and consistency. Though both switches deliver distinct tactile experiences, their emphasis on smoothness and comfort provides users with a degree of satisfaction suited to various typing styles.
In summary, the HMX Lotus and Bsun Taichi linear switches both offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. The Lotus stands out for its bright sound and bouncy feel, while the Taichi impresses with its high-pitched sound and unparalleled smoothness. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide enjoyable and satisfying keystrokes, making them worthy considerations for those venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it’s essential to consider your preferences in both sound and feel. If you favor a lighter keystroke with a delightful bouncy feeling, the Lotus is your best bet. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it enhances each keystroke, making typing or gaming feel more responsive and enjoyable. The bright and resonant sound it produces adds an extra layer of satisfaction, particularly suited for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, more stable switch experience with a unique high-pitched sound, the Taichi could be the better choice. Its long-pole stem and extended springs contribute to its unparalleled smoothness, perfect for users who prioritize a silky keystroke feel. Additionally, its enchanting sound profile may appeal to those seeking a more distinctive auditory cue. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you wish to experience your keyboard, whether through the lively sensation and sound of the Lotus or the refined smoothness and stability of the Taichi.
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