HMX Lotus vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Lotus is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, producing a bright and resonant sound that offers a delightful, bouncy feel with each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, characterized by a clacky and feathery feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out with its distinctive deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out, complemented by its quieter topping out. This switch delivers a smooth, tactile bump that enhances accuracy and provides a luxurious typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize a refined auditory feedback along with muted yet impactful tactile cues. While the Lotus appeals to those who relish in an exuberant and vibrant feel, the U4Tx RGB caters to those who prefer a more subtle, bassy sound profile with an emphasis on tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lotus Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.49

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, it becomes clear that both switches utilize materials known for their acoustic properties. The HMX Lotus features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more efficiently compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder audio character during key presses. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housing. Similar to nylon, this material is designed to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, suggesting that both switches might yield similar auditory experiences despite their distinct material compositions.

When delving deeper into the acoustic properties, it is essential to note that while both switches aim for a similar audio result, the specific characteristics of their materials can lead to nuanced differences in sound perception. The nylon used in the Lotus has a classic reputation and is well-regarded in the switch community for its consistent performance, which may evoke a more familiar feel for seasoned users. On the other hand, the proprietary Gazzew blend may introduce unique sound absorption qualities that distinguish it from traditional nylon, potentially offering a fresher auditory perspective for users who prefer experimental switch designs. Consequently, the subjective experience can vary even if both switches are designed to produce deeper, fuller sound profiles.

Finally, the factors that affect the acoustic output of each switch are not confined to housing materials alone; they also depend on the interaction between top and bottom housings during use. In both the HMX Lotus and Gazzew U4Tx RGB, the softer materials contribute to the overall sound experience, with the bottom housing likely having a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and tactile feel. Conversely, the top housing will shape the sound profile heard as the key is released. Therefore, even though the Gazzew U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend rather than traditional nylon, users can anticipate a similarly satisfying typing experience characterized by rich auditory feedback in both switches, making them excellent considerations for enthusiasts seeking deep sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy, but lacks a specified actuation force, leaving its tactile feedback slightly ambiguous. Consequently, the U4Tx may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier feel, particularly during intensive use. Overall, the HMX Lotus is the lighter option, providing ease of use, while the Gazzew U4Tx caters to those who appreciate a heftier keypress.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly: the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Lotus the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its more responsive nature. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying feel for users who prefer a deeper keypress. Thus, if you favor a quicker actuation, the Lotus would be the ideal choice, whereas if you enjoy a more substantial tactile experience, the U4Tx RGB would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the differences are quite notable. The Lotus produces a bright and resonant "clacky" sound, characterized by its crisp, sharp, and percussive qualities that can be satisfying to hear when typing or gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB offers a more muted sound profile, blending a deep "thock" upon bottoming out with a quieter topping out, which can be emblematic of a more refined and controlled auditory experience. This creates a sound environment that leans towards being less intrusive, making it suitable for quieter settings. However, the bassy undertones of the U4Tx add a rich depth to each keystroke, creating a contrast with the higher-pitched sound of the Lotus.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switches excel with their bouncy, feathery, and silky characteristics. The bouncy feedback provides a lively typing experience, enabling a pleasant rebound with each keystroke that makes typing feel effortless. Their lightweight nature minimizes finger fatigue, ensuring comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB lacks detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feel, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in this aspect. However, the sharp tactile bump is noted, suggesting that while it may not provide the bounciness of the Lotus, it offers a more luxurious tactile feedback that many users may find appealing.

In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Lotus excels with its bright and lively sound along with an exceptionally smooth and bouncy feel, perfect for users who enjoy an energetic typing experience. The U4Tx, however, furnishes a depth-rich and muted audio experience combined with a tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a more discreet and refined interaction. Both switches can cater to distinct typing preferences, leading to satisfying experiences, albeit with different auditory and tactile qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter switch that provides a bouncy, feathery feel ideal for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, the Lotus is an excellent option. Its clacky sound profile will keep you engaged while delivering a delightful typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bright auditory feedback with every keystroke. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go. Its muted yet deep thock sound and sharp tactile bump offer a refined typing experience that balances feedback with noise minimization—a perfect fit for quieter environments or for users who enjoy the tactile sensations without the distraction of a loud keyboard. In summary, choose the Lotus for a light, lively experience and the U4Tx RGB for a deeper, more tactile engagement.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lotus Linear

$3.49

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more