HMX Lotus vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Lotus offers a delightful typing experience with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound that adds a playful clackiness to each keystroke. This switch is celebrated for its bouncy and feathery feel, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a responsive and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is designed for those who prefer a smoother, more refined experience with its Ly stems, providing an ultra-smooth typing journey. Although it shares the linear characteristic of quiet keystrokes, its heavy feel may appeal to users who seek more resistance in their key presses. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a noticeable distinction arises in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and clearer sound profile. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the auditory characteristics of the switches but also impacts the overall user experience, as the softer nylon of the Lotus tends to muffle high frequencies, resulting in a more subdued acoustic output compared to the resonant and articulate sound generated by the stiffer polycarbonate of the Tomcat (Heavy).
However, both the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will likely provide a similar tactile feel and sound signature upon bottoming out. The nylon material, being softer, absorbs some of the impacts and contributes to a deeper sound profile during key presses. Therefore, while the top housing materials distinctly influence the sound produced when releasing the key, the bottom housing ensures that both switches elicit an analogous sound and feel when pressed down. As a result, users can expect a consistent bottom-out experience across both models, solidifying the importance of the bottom housing in contributing to the overall actuation feel.
In essence, the contrasting top housing materials elucidate a significant divergence in sound profiles between the HMX Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). The Lotus's nylon housing creates a warmer, muted sound, while the Tomcat's polycarbonate enables a brighter, crisper acoustic profile, particularly noticeable during key release. However, the similarity in their bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a comparable tactile response, emphasizing how the combination of distinct top and uniform bottom housings contributes to a multifaceted typing experience. For users looking for a blend of auditory qualities and tactile familiarity, the interplay between these materials becomes crucial in deciding which switch best fits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Lotus features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) presents a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. This heavier profile can provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer push. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter feel that allows for prolonged use, the HMX Lotus is the better choice, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is suitable for those who appreciate additional force in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall feel of the switch during use. The Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response, which is often favored by gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress that offers a deeper typing experience. In summary, if you are looking for rapid, responsive keystrokes, the HMX Lotus might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would be suitable for users who enjoy a more traditional, robust key feel.
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 Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 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 produces a bright, resonant sound that can be characterized as clacky. This sharp and snappy auditory feedback adds an engaging element to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more dynamic and lively. It's important to note that the sound can be influenced by external factors like the keyboard case and keycap material, so individual experiences may vary. On the other hand, details on the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch are not provided. Therefore, while the Lotus offers a defined auditory quality, we have no comparable sound profile for the Tomcat switches.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch excels with a combination of bouncy, feathery, and silky characteristics. The bouncy nature gives a spring-like feedback, making every press feel lively and responsive. The feathery aspect allows for ease of actuation, minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Furthermore, the silky sensation contributes to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, ensuring that key presses and releases feel fluid and seamless. In contrast, there is no available information detailing the tactile feel of the Tomcat (Heavy), leaving its overall typing sensation unknown and uncharted; thus, comparisons on this aspect cannot be made.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and vibrant feel, perfect for those who appreciate an engaging and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) presents an unknown quality in both sound and feel, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons or conclusions. If a typist is looking for a lively auditory experience with notable typing feedback, the Lotus would be the recommended choice. However, without more information on the Tomcat, any conclusions regarding its performance remain speculative.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for typing feel, sound, and weight. If you lean towards a switch that embodies a light touch with a notable bouncy feel, the Lotus would be ideal for you. Its 50g bottom-out force allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, whether you're gaming or working. The clacky, crisp sound profile further enhances the tactile experience, providing an engaging feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a focus on smoothness and a slightly heavier touch, the Tomcat (Heavy) would serve you well. Its 64g bottom-out force caters to those who like a medium-heavy feel, promoting conscious keystrokes that can improve typing precision. While the sound profile of the Tomcat may not be described in detail, its Ly stems ensure a consistently smooth experience, making this switch suitable for individuals who value an all-around stable typing experience. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and comfort.
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