HMX Lotus vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus and Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as popular options. The Lotus, a linear switch, boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound that provides a satisfyingly bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura, a tactile switch, offers a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke with a pronounced yet not overpowering tactility. While the Lotus may appeal to those who enjoy a super bouncy typing experience, the Purple Sakura could be the perfect choice for those who prefer a more subtle and buttery feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura reveals distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Lotus's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a clear and resonant tone. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the Lotus's nylon top housing is more suited for those looking for a softer and more muted typing experience, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for users seeking a more vibrant and defined sound.
On the other hand, the comparison of the bottom housing materials of the Lotus and the Purple Sakura reveals a similarity in their sound profiles. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This similarity in housing materials suggests that when it comes to the sound and feel of the bottom-out action of these switches, users can expect a consistent experience regardless of the brand chosen. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound, providing a more subdued typing experience compared to switches with stiffer bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura will ultimately depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience. While the Lotus offers a softer and more muted sound with its nylon top housing, the Purple Sakura provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile during bottom-out actions. Whether one prefers a more subdued or vibrant typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. In contrast, the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Purple Sakura for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches have a different feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who have specific preferences when it comes to keyboard switches.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see that the Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm. While both switches fall in the shorter travel distance category, the difference of 0.3 mm may be noticeable to some users. Gamers seeking faster response times may lean towards the Lotus with its longer travel distance, while those who prefer a more abrupt key press may opt for the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound that adds a delightful bounce to every keystroke, creating a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a pleasant typing sound that will enhance your overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a super bouncy feeling that adds an extra level of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between tactility and smoothness. With a mild and neutral feel, the Purple Sakura switch ensures that your typing experience is comfortable and enjoyable without being overpowering.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound coupled with a bouncy feel, while the Purple Sakura switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a buttery downstroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, as both will provide a satisfying typing experience. No matter which switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality product that enhances your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a switch that offers a snappy response with a decadently buttery downstroke, the Purple Sakura switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize a light and bouncy typing experience or a medium and buttery tactile feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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