HMX Lotus vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Lotus, a linear switch, and the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch. The Lotus switches from HMX are renowned for their medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Violet switches are known for their gentle tactility, smooth actuation, and pleasingly poppy feedback. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Lotus focusing on a bouncy feel and a bright sound, while the Violet provides a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Jerrzi Violet differ significantly, with the Lotus featuring a nylon top housing and bottom housing, while the Violet has a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound overall. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This results in a higher-pitched sound that is more resonant compared to the deeper tones of the Lotus.
Both the Lotus and the Violet share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their similar deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with this material. While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, the bottom housing's impact is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the contrasting top housing materials of the Lotus and the Violet provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Jerrzi Violet housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Lotus offer a softer and deeper typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet provides a sharper and crisper sound. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Violet also allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. Both switches demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, catering to individual preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is the same at 45 grams, making them both light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus is heavier at 50 grams compared to the Violet, which does not have a specified bottom out force. This means that the Lotus switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the similar actuation force of both switches will result in a similar feel during regular typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Lotus may offer a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, while the Violet may provide a bit more depth and tactile feedback with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 known for its bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, resulting in a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to varying preferences in terms of auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch has a medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. The Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a gentle actuation with a pleasing poppy tactility. The Lotus switch provides a more uniform feel throughout keystrokes, while the Violet switch offers a unique two-stage tactile experience.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a resonant and bouncy typing experience with the HMX Lotus switch or a smooth and tactile feel with the Jerrzi Violet switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light, bouncy keystroke with a bright, resonant sound, then the Lotus switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle tactile feedback with a smooth actuation and a poppy tactility, then the Violet switch could be the ideal option. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making a decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.
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