HMX Lotus vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the HMX Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx. The HMX Lotus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium actuation weight of 50g and a bright, resonant sound that brings a delightful bounciness to each keystroke, making it a fantastic choice for gamers and typists who appreciate smooth, uninterrupted typing experiences. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx embodies the essence of a tactile switch, offering a sharp bump at the actuation point and a rich, deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out, paired with a whisper-quiet topping out experience. This combination ensures a refined acoustic profile, appealing to users who prioritize both tactile feedback and sound quality. While the Lotus is perfect for those who favor speed and fluidity, the U4Tx caters to those seeking a more immersive and tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx, it is important to note that both utilize softer plastics—Nylon for the Lotus and a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for the U4Tx. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Lotus are celebrated for their ability to absorb sound, creating a more muted and fuller auditory experience when typing. This characteristic is rooted in nylon’s properties as a softer material, which helps in dulling sharper sounds. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx, with its unique blend of materials, aims to achieve a similarly rich sound profile, also attributed to its softness. Therefore, while the materials differ in composition, they align in their capacity to deliver a deep and rounded acoustic experience when typing.
In assessing the sound profiles further, both the Lotus's nylon and the U4Tx's boba plastic influence the overall auditory feedback experienced during use. The top housing of both switches plays a pivotal role in defining the sound upon key release; thus, the softer materials in both cases lend themselves to producing less jarring sounds and a smoother transition when releasing the keys. This means that despite the difference in the materials’ specific compositions, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory feedback that emphasizes warmth and depth, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, while the HMX Lotus leverages classic nylon for its switch housings, and the Gazzew U4Tx introduces an innovative boba plastic blend, the functional outcomes may bear a striking resemblance. Both designs showcase their strength in sound absorption and impact the user experience in profoundly similar ways, particularly through the manner in which each switch's structure affects sound and feel from both the top and bottom housings. This similarity underscores an important takeaway for enthusiasts: diverse materials can yield comparable end results in sound quality and tactile feedback, allowing users to select switches based on what aligns with their personal preferences rather than solely on material composition.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to varying typing preferences. The Lotus switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who favor longer typing sessions without excessive strain. In contrast, the U4Tx does not have a specified actuation force but has a noticeably heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, suggesting a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed. Consequently, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the U4Tx due to its heavier bottom out force. Therefore, while the Lotus provides ease and comfort for prolonged use, the U4Tx caters to those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback during typing. Overall, the Lotus is the lighter switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the U4Tx leans towards a medium force category, making it heavier in the bottoming-out aspect.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we find that the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, which may be better suited for those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, such as gamers. On the other hand, the U4Tx's longer travel distance could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes, making it feel less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either responsiveness or tactile depth, as both travel distances fall within the modern range but cater to different user experiences.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus switch is characterized by a bright and resonant tone that stands out during typing. This effect produces an engaging auditory experience that can be described as lively and energetic. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a unique combination of a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, which gives them a rich acoustic presence, along with a whisper-quiet noise at the top of the keypress. This duality allows for a more refined and subtle sound profile, making the U4Tx switches particularly appealing for those who appreciate auditory nuances without excess noise.
Regarding feel, the HMX Lotus delivers a super bouncy sensation, with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, that enhances the fluidity of each keystroke. This contributes to a delightful typing experience that feels effortless and playful. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a crisp and sharp tactile bump, providing pronounced feedback that is distinct and satisfying. While both switches prioritize an enjoyable typing feel, the Lotus emphasizes a smooth and buoyant experience, whereas the U4Tx focuses on delivering precise tactile feedback with each press.
In summary, both the HMX Lotus and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lotus shines with its bright, resonant sound and bouncy feel, perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the U4Tx excels with its deep "thock" and sharp tactile feedback, catering to individuals who appreciate a cleaner sound profile and defined tactile cues. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as each brings a distinctly enjoyable experience to the mechanical keyboard arena.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing feedback, sound, and overall experience. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke and a bouncy sensation that brings playfulness to every press, the Lotus switch with its 50g bottom-out force may be ideal for you. This switch's bright and resonant sound profile enhances the tactile experience, making it suitable for those who thrive on energetic, lively typing rhythms. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a satisfying tactile bump, the U4Tx is likely the better choice. With a medium 62.5g bottom-out force, it delivers a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, while still being quieter when releasing. This switch's sharp tactile feedback provides a luxurious typing experience that's acoustically refined and richly satisfying. In essence, choose the Lotus if you're after a light, engaging typing experience, and opt for the U4Tx if you desire a balanced, tactile feel paired with a sophisticated auditory profile.
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