HMX Lotus vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both of which are linear switches. The Lotus is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron is recognized for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, the Lotus may appeal to those looking for a more tactile typing experience, while the Zero Degree 0° may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing environment. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, the most significant difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Lotus utilizes nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that provides a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in sound profiles not only affects the typing experience but also the overall aesthetics, especially with RGB lighting as the clear polycarbonate of the Zero Degree 0° allows for enhanced light transmission.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, they both utilize nylon, which results in a similar deep and full sound profile. Both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound, creating a more subdued and round sound when typing. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is crucial in providing a satisfying typing experience, and the nylon material in both switches delivers on this front.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° differ in their sound profiles, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the top housing ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the sound profile one prefers while typing. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with nylon or a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure needed to initiate a keystroke. However, the HMX Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel upon full key press compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, whose bottom out force is not specified. The Lotus offers a balance between light actuation and a slightly heavier bottom out feel, catering to users who enjoy a bit more resistance for that extra tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° provides a lighter overall typing experience, which may be preferred by individuals who prioritize extended typing or gaming sessions without the strain of heavier key presses. So, while both switches share a similar actuation force, the Lotus is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, giving users a different typing experience compared to the weight unknown Zero Degree 0°.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Despite the small difference in distance between the two switches, the Lotus is the shorter option compared to the Zero Degree. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight variation in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, so in terms of practical use, you can expect similar results from both switches in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance you prefer in a switch.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the Lotus is known for its bright and resonant sound, providing a satisfyingly bouncy feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch from Gateron boasts a silent typing experience due to its self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and minimizes noise. Depending on the other components of your keyboard setup, such as the board and keycaps, the sound experience can vary between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, contributing to its bouncy and tactile typing experience. The Zero Degree 0° switch, on the other hand, provides a soft and elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, along with unparalleled smoothness and stability thanks to its innovative design. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Lotus providing a bit more tactile feedback due to its medium weight, while the Zero Degree 0° focuses on a smooth and silent typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both switches offer distinct advantages in sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a more tactile and bouncy typing experience with a bright sound, the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on a silent typing experience with smoothness and stability. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider the following guidelines. If you're looking for a light, bouncy switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound, then the Lotus from HMX is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience with unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, then the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences in terms of performance, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
