HMX Game1989 vs. Durock Black Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Durock Black Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and Durock Black Lotus stand out as two appealing options within the linear switch category, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, delivering a rich auditory experience that enhances the tactile pleasure of typing and gaming. In contrast, the Durock Black Lotus emphasizes a silky smooth feel, designed for unparalleled precision and minimal wobble, ensuring fluid keystrokes that many typists and gamers appreciate. With a moderate actuation weight of 55g, the Black Lotus strike a fine balance between responsiveness and control, whereas the HMX 1989 tends to offer a more pronounced thock for those who enjoy a deeper sound. Both switches have their strengths, whether you are drawn to the acoustic richness of the 1989 or the refined smoothness of the Black Lotus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and Durock Black Lotus switches represent a nuanced approach to sound and feel in mechanical keyboards. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the auditory feedback when a key is released but is also optimized for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Durock Black Lotus employs a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing. This material is designed to offer a unique and premium tactile experience, though its effect on sound is generally softer compared to pure polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches focus on delivering clarity and resonance, the 1989 leans toward a brighter sound profile, whereas the Black Lotus might produce a warmer tonal quality influenced by its blend.
On the other hand, both the HMX 1989 and Durock Black Lotus utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder sound when the key bottoms out. This shared housing material allows both switches to deliver a rich auditory experience during typing, providing users with a satisfying level of feedback regardless of other housing distinctions. The fact that each switch boasts a nylon bottom ensures that the overall sound profile remains grounded and deep, creating a consistent typing experience between the two options.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the HMX 1989 and Durock Black Lotus differ significantly in material and acoustic properties, both switches utilize nylon at the bottom. This indicates that, despite the contrasts in sound profiles caused by the varying top housing materials, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of depth and richness attributable to the nylon bottom. The combination of a polycarbonate or modified blend top with a nylon bottom creates diverse auditory experiences, allowing for tailored preferences that can cater to different user tastes while still retaining some common characteristics. Whether the crispness of the 1989 or the premium feel of the Black Lotus is preferred, the nylon component ensures a dependable and consistent typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, one will notice distinct differences in both the actuation force and the bottom out force. The HMX 1989 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that is well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Black Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This heavier feel provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer to have a firmer push. Consequently, users seeking a more effortless typing experience would benefit from the HMX 1989, while those desiring a stronger tactile feedback may lean towards the Black Lotus. Thus, while both switches serve unique preferences, their differing forces lead to varied user experiences in terms of fatigue and tactile response.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent feel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Since both switches share the same measurement, there is no shorter or longer switch in this comparison; instead, users can enjoy the same travel results across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustic profile, lending itself to a rich auditory experience as you type. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more resonant sound during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a quieter typing experience, with a focus on smoothness, leading to a subtle auditory feedback. While the 1989 may produce a more pronounced sound signature, both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, allowing for a degree of customization in achieving a preferred sound profile.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch is celebrated for its overall tactile satisfaction, offering a smooth linear experience paired with a deeper bottom-out that adds a satisfying resistance. Meanwhile, the Durock Black Lotus is characterized by its buttery smoothness, resulting in a seamless keystroke that feels effortless and fluid. The Black Lotus also leans towards a mild typing experience, making it approachable for a variety of users. Both switches prioritize smoothness but in different ways— the 1989 leans into a more pronounced feel while the Black Lotus focuses on a gentle and uniform sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Durock Black Lotus linear switches present unique offerings in terms of sound and feel. While the 1989 brings a deeper, thocky sound and a more pronounced typing experience, the Black Lotus highlights a quieter, buttery smooth experience with mild characteristics. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences, and depending on individual tastes and keyboard setups, users will find satisfaction in choosing either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, your choice will depend largely on your personal preferences regarding force, sound, and overall typing feel. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a thocky sound profile, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, is an excellent choice. It delivers a sense of deep satisfaction with each keystroke, making it particularly appealing for gaming sessions or extended typing where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more substantial feel and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus, with its heavier 63.5-gram bottom out force, will cater to your needs. Its mild sound and exceptional precision reduce wobble, allowing for greater typing pleasure, making it ideal for those who value enhanced tactile feedback and stability during long typing tasks. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the specific tactile sensations you desire to make the best choice between these two impressive switches.
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