Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Blue Topaz both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial yet not overly heavy, this switch falls under the categories of 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with an easy-to-press experience. The distinctive glitter in its housing adds a touch of visual appeal, while the clacky sound signature offers an auditory delight. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Blue Topaz provides a different typing experience compared to the Black Lotus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Blue Topaz, the first notable difference is in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz utilizes polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Black Lotus offers a premium feel, the Blue Topaz focuses on producing a clear and resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial when incorporating RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Black Lotus and the Blue Topaz opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in the bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile. The use of nylon in both switches highlights the importance of the bottom housing in shaping the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Blue Topaz differ in material, they both aim to enhance the sound and feel of the switches in their own unique ways. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials showcase how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. Whether it's the premium feel of the Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing or the sharper sound profile of the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus is heavier in both aspects. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is significantly lighter in comparison. The difference in weight between the two switches makes them suitable for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Topaz for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus offering a more standard depth compared to the slightly shallower Blue Topaz. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Blue Topaz due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the tactile experience desired during typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 Durock Black Lotus is often praised for its quiet and smooth operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and percussive sound with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Black Lotus more suitable for a noise-sensitive environment, while the Blue Topaz offers a more distinctive and audible feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is revered for its silky and buttery smooth keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience with reduced resistance and enhanced fluidity. Additionally, the mild and polished characteristics of the Black Lotus contribute to a refined and comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz is highlighted for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light touch makes typing effortless and comfortable, ideal for users who prefer a less resistant keypress.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Blue Topaz both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a quiet operation, the Blue Topaz stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality performance, so users can expect similar results in terms of durability and performance regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with a unique light column, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a super smooth actuation with a distinctive glitter housing for a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz could be the better option. Both switches offer their own advantages in terms of feel and sound, so take these factors into consideration when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy the typing pleasure they both offer.
Mentioned in this article
