HMX Lotus vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique and enticing experiences for users. The Lotus, a linear switch, is distinguished by its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Yoel, also a linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, delivers a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky profile. While the Lotus offers a more bouncy and resonant typing experience, the Yoel provides a satisfying and pronounced sound when keys reach their bottom-out point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and PH Studio Yoel switches provide two distinct typing experiences. The Lotus, with its nylon top and bottom housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yoel switch, featuring a polycarbonate top and POM bottom housing, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, with the polycarbonate contributing to a more clear and resonant sound, while the POM adds a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate of the Yoel switch enhances the RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice for those looking to customize their keyboard setup.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Lotus and Yoel switches are made from different materials, they both offer unique and pleasing sound profiles. The softer nylon material of the Lotus contributes to a duller and rounder sound, ideal for those seeking a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the stiffer polycarbonate and POM materials in the Yoel switch provide a sharper and more resonant sound, catering to users who prefer a crisper typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer reliable performance and are popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and PH Studio Yoel switches, it is evident that each material brings its own characteristics to the typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon and POM materials offering a deeper and more muted sound profile, respectively. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with the nylon creating a duller sound and the polycarbonate providing a sharper and clearer sound. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a crisper, more resonant sound, both the Lotus and Yoel switches offer unique and customizable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Lotus at 50 grams and the Yoel at 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience for extended periods of time, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Yoel provides a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some opting for the lighter actuation force of the Lotus and others gravitating towards the heavier actuation force of the Yoel for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The Lotus switch offers a bit more depth in travel compared to the Yoel, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 is known for its bright and resonant profile, providing an overall bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a clacky and pronounced sound, creating a satisfying auditory experience as keys reach the bottom-out point. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Lotus leaning towards a brighter and more resonant tone, while the Yoel produces a sharper and clackier sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more bouncy and resonant sound with the Lotus or a crisp and clacky sound with the Yoel.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch does not have specific descriptors available, so its tactile experience remains unknown. However, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as providing a creamy and polished typing experience, offering smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction and smooth key travel. For those who prefer a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes, the Yoel switch may be the preferred option. Without detailed information on the feel of the Lotus switch, users may opt for the known smooth and polished typing experience of the Yoel.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus and PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a brighter and more resonant sound profile, the Yoel switch delivers a clacky and pronounced auditory experience. Similarly, in terms of feel, the Yoel switch offers a creamy and polished typing sensation, emphasizing smooth key presses and reduced friction. Ultimately, users can choose between the bouncy and bright sound of the Lotus switch or the clacky and creamy feel of the Yoel switch based on their personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, resonant typing experience with a medium weight of 50g, the Lotus switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60g and a chewy typing sensation with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences. Choose the switch that aligns with what you value most in your typing experience.
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