HMX 1989 vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and use cases. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and those who crave a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus embodies a light tactile feel, designed specifically for the discerning typist who appreciates subtle feedback without overwhelming sensations, ideal for longer work sessions. With the added benefit of a removable light column, the White Lotus also allows for dynamic RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard. While both switches cater to unique needs—with the HMX 1989 focusing on a satisfying linear glide and the White Lotus offering melodic feedback—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
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 long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Durock White Lotus present an intriguing comparison, particularly in their top housings. The HMX 1989 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality stems from the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more resonant sound experience. Additionally, the material's translucency makes it especially compatible with RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified blend of PC (polycarbonate) and UPE, resulting in a unique and premium feel. While both switches leverage polycarbonate, the White Lotus’s blend might slightly alter the auditory effects due to the unique properties introduced by UPE, although both are engineered to deliver clarity and brightness in sound.
When delving into the bottom housing materials, both the HMX 1989 and the Durock White Lotus employ nylon, a classic choice in switch design. The nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily because of its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. This shared characteristic means that both switches will exhibit a similar auditory experience in terms of bottom-out sounds—those sounds heard when a key is fully pressed down. Because nylon is well-regarded for its somber acoustic properties, users of both switches can expect that familiar, satisfying sound generated when the key is engaged.
In summary, while the top housing materials between the HMX 1989 and the Durock White Lotus differ, resulting in distinct sound profiles when releasing keys, their shared nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent auditory richness during key presses. The combination of polycarbonate and a modified blend in the top housing allows for a refined clarity and resonance, particularly in the HMX 1989, while the Durock White Lotus may introduce a nuanced softness due to its UPE component. Ultimately, both switches promise a delightful typing experience, with the bottom housings harmonizing their sound profiles despite the variability in their top housing materials.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer comparable actuation and bottom out forces, with the 1989 switch featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the White Lotus has slightly higher values at 46 grams for the actuation force and 56 grams for the bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, which suits users looking for a less strenuous typing experience. Despite the slight difference in force, users may find that the overall typing experience remains relatively similar, as the differences are marginal. In terms of weight, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option when it comes to both actuation and bottom out forces, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus, being just a gram heavier, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that their performance in terms of keystroke depth is identical. This means that users pressing either switch will experience the same distance when actuating their keys, resulting in a uniform feel between the two options. Therefore, if you're looking for switches that provide a consistent keystroke experience, both the HMX 1989 and the Durock White Lotus are equally capable in this regard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Durock White 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 White 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 known for its deep and thocky signature, offering a satisfying auditory experience that is rich and full-bodied. This switch produces a sound that is more resonant and pronounced than many other switch types, making it particularly pleasing for users who enjoy a meaty acoustic response during their typing. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch produces a low-pitched sound profile characterized by a mellow tone and neutral acoustic quality. This makes it versatile and suitable for a range of environments, whether at home or in an office setting, allowing for a quieter typing experience that won’t disturb others nearby. The overall sound character of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps you choose, but they inherently provide different auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch is often celebrated for its linear actuation that offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, which is great for those looking for a streamlined typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus embodies a gentle tactile feedback, making it easy to press with minimal resistance. This light actuation force allows for effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. The White Lotus switch provides a mild and subtle tactile sensation that is user-friendly and approachable, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a balance between tactility and comfort. While the 1989 offers an uninterrupted linear experience, the White Lotus caters to those who enjoy the pleasing sensation of light tactile feedback without being overwhelming.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The 1989 excels in delivering a deep, thocky sound and a smooth linear feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke. Meanwhile, the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound and a gentle tactile experience that is easy to press, perfect for those who value comfort and subtlety during their typing sessions. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, both switches can enhance your overall keyboard experience markedly while allowing room for personal customization.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you should align your decision with your specific typing needs and preferences. If you favor a deeper, thocky feedback that enhances the immersive feel while gaming or typing, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light 53g bottom-out force, will likely serve you well. It is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the robust sound and feel that the linear switch provides, making it ideal for users who want a more dynamic experience during their key presses. On the other hand, if your priority is comfort and long typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus would be the better choice. Its gentle actuation and low-pitched, neutral sound profile provide a soothing typing experience, perfect for extended periods of work without overwhelming your senses. The subtle tactility of the White Lotus enhances responsiveness while minimizing finger fatigue, making it an excellent fit for typists looking for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, especially with its vibrant RGB lighting capabilities. In the end, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smooth, gentle typing experience, marking the careful balance between gaming dynamism and typing comfort.
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