HMX Lotus vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the HMX Lotus and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Lotus, a linear switch, is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. In comparison, the Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, stands out for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to the typing experience. These switches offer pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for users. While the Lotus offers a delightful and bouncy typing experience, the Viola Tricolor provides a satisfying feedback with its sharp sensation. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are quite different in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appearance. The Lotus uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visual element to the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Lotus and the Viola Tricolor, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing of each switch plays a significant role in the overall sound profile. The Lotus's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper sound when a key is pressed, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound when a key is released.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material for a switch can have a significant impact on the sound profile and overall typing experience. The HMX Lotus and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase how different materials like nylon and polycarbonate can influence the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches offer a deep and full sound due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the Lotus's nylon top housing creates a different sound profile compared to the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics of each switch and cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which does not have a specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Lotus is 50 grams, while the Viola Tricolor is heavier at 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus may make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Lotus would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with more depth to the keypress, the Viola Tricolor would be more suitable. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their respective travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing the one that best suits your typing style.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 the sound produced by the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Lotus offers a bright and resonant sound that adds a sense of bounce to each keystroke, while the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. The Lotus switches have a medium weight of 50g bottom out, contributing to their unique sound profile, whereas the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between being bassy and low-pitched, offering a rich and mellow tone without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Lotus switches are known for providing a super bouncy feeling, making each keystroke a delight, while the Viola Tricolor switches offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for users. The Lotus switches do not have specific descriptors for their feel, but the Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing a prominent amount of tactility with moderate to firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive typing sensation.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switches offer a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, the Viola Tricolor switches provide a thuddy sound profile with a balanced tactility. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, either switch can offer a satisfying and immersive typing experience, ensuring you get similar results in terms of performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Lotus linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force with a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feel, then the Lotus switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a balanced tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, then the Viola Tricolor switch would be the better option. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so take into account your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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