Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the category of linear switches, offering a smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, with a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and light. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky sound profile and is catered towards enthusiasts who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant typing feel, but the Black Lotus focuses on reducing housing and stem wobble for maximum comfort, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a bright and clacky typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both feature nylon components, which are known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. Despite this similarity, the Black Lotus distinguishes itself with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing. The Black Lotus's top housing may provide a more tactile and sturdy typing experience compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Cloud - 63.5g utilize nylon materials, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a distinct typing experience. While the Black Lotus features a nylon bottom housing that complements its top housing, the Cloud - 63.5g also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing to maintain consistency in sound and feel throughout the switch. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience overall.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While the Black Lotus offers a unique blend of modified PC and UPE materials in its top housing, the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings to provide a consistent typing experience. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the Black Lotus's housing materials or the classic sound profile of the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon components, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that enthusiasts can appreciate.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch have similar actuation forces, with the Black Lotus requiring 55 grams and the Cloud - 63.5g needing 56 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g also at 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience, but overall, users can expect relatively comparable results in terms of weight. Users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the slightly heavier Black Lotus.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.9 mm travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch. While the Black Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, both switches fall within the range of traditional distances for mechanical switches. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g for faster response times, while others may enjoy the added depth of the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 switch is known for its unspecified sound profile, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The choice between the two switches would depend on your preference for sound, with the Black Lotus providing a yet-to-be-specified sound, and the Cloud - 63.5g offering a crisp and bright typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished qualities, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance and a refined finish. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience, with the Black Lotus focusing on smoothness and precision, while the Cloud - 63.5g offers a lively feel and ease of keystrokes.
Overall, while the sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus switch remains unidentified, it is favored for its smooth feel, reduced wobble, and in-switch lighting feature. Meanwhile, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky sound and offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches provide a smooth typing experience with their unique characteristics. If a smooth and silky typing experience is desired, either switch would provide similar results, with the deciding factor being the sound profile preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and precise typing feel with reduced wobble and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing preferences and overall comfort.
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