HMX Lotus vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus and HMX Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lotus is a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai, also a linear switch, showcases a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Lotus offers a bouncy and delightful typing experience, the Xinhai provides a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
While the HMX Lotus and the HMX Xinhai both use nylon for their bottom housing, they have differing materials for their top housing. The Lotus employs nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in materials gives each switch a unique sound signature tailored to different preferences.
Despite the varying top housing materials, both the HMX Lotus and HMX Xinhai achieve similar results with the use of nylon in their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softness. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches exhibit a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of this material. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch.
In considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on a switch, it is evident that each housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as its softness and sound absorption, significantly contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Conversely, the top housing material, with its stiffness and clarity, influences the sound produced when a key is released. By carefully selecting materials for both the top and bottom housings, manufacturers can fine-tune the sound characteristics of their switches to cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In terms of weight, the Xinhai is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Lotus. The lighter actuation force of the Xinhai may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch when typing, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which some users may find provides a more solid and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes. Both switches offer a light touch compared to other switches on the market, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. In general, the slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, so you can expect similar results from both in terms of 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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as having a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem materials. The sound produced by these switches can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, ultimately affecting the overall auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a medium weight of 50g bottom out and is known for its bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback with each key press. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as both bouncy and creamy, giving users a lively and elastic feel combined with a smooth and buttery typing experience. These qualities can greatly impact how typing feels on each switch, providing users with different levels of tactile feedback and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bouncy feeling and bright, resonant sound, the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound and a blend of bouncy and creamy sensations. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the final typing experience being influenced by a combination of factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and personalized typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider the type of sound and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch. If you enjoy a bright, resonant sound with a medium bottom out force of 50 grams and a bouncy feel, the HMX Lotus switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound with a softer acoustics profile and a crisper, higher-pitched resonance, along with a lower bottom out force of 45 grams and a bouncy or creamy feel, then the HMX Xinhai switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
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