HMX Lotus vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that elevates every keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch that offers a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a "Goldilocks" option for those seeking a balanced 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro are quite different in terms of sound profiles. The Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This results in a distinct difference in sound quality between the two switches.
However, both the Lotus and the Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This shared housing material in the bottom housing of the switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when pressing down on the keys. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a commonality between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique advantage with its clear translucency. This allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing does not offer this feature, limiting its ability to showcase RGB lighting effects. This difference in material composition affects not only the sound profile but also the visual presentation of the switches, providing users with distinct options based on their preferences for both sound and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force is the same for both at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Lotus requiring 50 grams and the Violet Gold Pro having an unknown force. In terms of weight, the Lotus is lighter overall, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Despite the difference in bottom out force, the actuation force being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience when using either switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Lotus offers a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. If you enjoy a more responsive feel, the Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Violet Gold Pro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and feel.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
Based on the available information, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature with a fairly light touch and a medium tactility, positioning it as a balanced typing option. When it comes to sound, the Lotus switch offers a unique experience, while the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a more versatile and suitable option for various intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Lotus switch's specific characteristics are unknown, whereas the Violet Gold Pro switch is described as a "stepped" tactile switch, offering a mild two-stage sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with both options offering distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for light bottom out force and a bouncy feeling with a bright sound for the Lotus, or a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature for the Violet Gold Pro. If you enjoy a switch with a medium actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a stepped tactile feel that offers a balance between pre-travel and post-travel sensation, the Lotus might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when making a decision.
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