Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is favored for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. Known for its smooth and satisfying feel, the Ink Reds produce a crispy and clacky sound profile while being effortless to type on. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches feature a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. While the Lotus switches offer a different typing experience compared to the Ink Reds, both switches have their own appeal. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Lotus differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing create a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, whereas the Lotus's nylon top and bottom housing produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the material used in the housing impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch.
In terms of material properties, the Ink Red's INK blend housing is designed to create a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Lotus's nylon housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. This difference in material composition leads to a distinct typing experience for each switch. The INK blend housing of the Ink Red offers a sharper and more tactile feedback, while the nylon housing of the Lotus provides a softer and smoother typing experience.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound of the switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material may be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Lotus offer a unique typing experience that is a result of their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two. The Gateron Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is heavier compared to the HMX Lotus with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Gateron Ink Red provides a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force, while the HMX Lotus offers a lighter typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Lotus would be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more robust feel to their keystrokes would find the Gateron Ink Red more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. A 0.5 mm might not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the typing experience, especially for those who prefer a shallower key press. Gamers, for example, might appreciate the faster response time of the Lotus switch due to its shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer key press of the Ink Red switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
The HMX Lotus comes in at $3.49 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral and chirpy sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. The HMX Lotus linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky, mild, and polished characteristics, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Lotus switch remains unknown, making it challenging to determine how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing comfort.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Ink Red is praised for its smoothness and moderate sound profile, the Lotus is celebrated for its bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Keep in mind that using similar keyboards and keycaps can lead to comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a bouncy feeling with a bright sound profile, the HMX Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, and a crispy clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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