HMX Lotus vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Lotus is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, providing a delightful bounce with each keystroke and a bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. This switch is often favored by typists who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback and a resilient feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkably low actuation force and a super short 1mm actuation point, allowing for rapid-fire inputs and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. Its bright, clacky sound profile appeals to gamers looking for speed and responsiveness in their gameplay. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them compelling choices based on individual needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature compared to harder plastics, which allows it to absorb more sound. As a result, both the Lotus and Vintage Citrus switches deliver a dulled and rounder auditory experience, making them especially appealing for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
Despite having the same nylon housing materials, the distribution of sound characteristics between the top and bottom housings can differ. In both switch models, the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed. As both switches feature nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent, soft impact and sound when bottoming out, regardless of the specific model. The top housing also plays a critical role in the auditory experience when keys are released; again, both models benefit from the same sound-dampening qualities of nylon, ensuring that the overall typing experience remains cohesive.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus and Vintage Citrus switches utilize the same nylon material for both housing components, their construction ensures that the unique qualities of each housing are effectively experienced. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon providing a shallow, rounded auditory profile and a comfortable tactile feedback. The shared choice of nylon means that fans of either model will appreciate the muted characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience, making both switches excellent choices for enthusiasts who value sound and tactile response.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a nuanced comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which offers a bit more resistance and can provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push while typing. When it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, again lighter than the Vintage Citrus, which requires 53 grams to bottom out. This difference highlights the Lotus as the lighter switch overall, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to users seeking a medium-light experience, ideal for a balance between comfort and feedback. Ultimately, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Lotus leans towards the lighter preference, whereas the Vintage Citrus balances a touch of heft for a more pronounced feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference. The HMX Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. Consequently, the Lotus offers a deeper and more tactile feel, appealing to those who prefer a less abrupt key press. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, aligns with the modern trend toward quicker, responsive switches, which is particularly favored by gamers looking for rapid activation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a more substantial feel or the quicker response associated with a shorter travel distance.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 is characterized by a bright, resonant tone that can make typing feel lively and engaging. This acoustic profile often provides auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch also features a bright and clacky sound, which is typically favored by gamers for its energetic and responsive character. While both switches showcase a vibrant sound, they may produce different auditory experiences depending on the keyboard design and materials used, leading to distinct resonances that can enhance one's typing or gaming sessions.
Regarding feel, the Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a balance that many typists appreciate for both comfort and feedback. This switch delivers a super bouncy sensation, allowing for a delightful keystroke experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed with gamers in mind, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This results in a remarkably smooth push feel, which can facilitate rapid-fire inputs without the need for much effort. The contrast in actuation force and feedback between the two switches highlights their intended usage, with the Lotus being versatile for general typing and the Vintage Citrus catering to high-speed gaming actions.
In summary, while both the HMX Lotus and Vintage Citrus switches offer their own unique auditory and tactile qualities, they serve slightly different purposes. The Lotus's bright sound and bouncy feel cater to those who enjoy a more balanced typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus is engineered for quick responses with its clacky sound and smooth, minimal effort actuation. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your preferences for sound, typing or gaming habits, and desired feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences in a keyboard experience. If you seek a bouncy, delightful keystroke sensation and prefer a lighter touch, the Lotus, with its 50-gram bottom out force and bright, resonant sound, is the ideal fit. This switch provides a tactile feedback that can elevate your typing experience, making it especially suitable for those who spend long hours typing or enjoy the subtle sound profile it offers. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus's slightly heftier 53 grams and exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm make it perfect for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound and smooth push feel cater to those who prioritize quick actions and satisfying auditory feedback during gameplay. In summary, consider the Lotus for a balanced typing experience, while opting for the Vintage Citrus when performance and speed in gaming are your top priorities.
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