Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between switches like the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Cloud - 50g, both of which exemplify the qualities of linear switches. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and exceptional precision, designed to minimize housing and stem wobble for an unparalleled typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and control. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a lighter actuation weight and is favored for its clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who relish an engaging and bright typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth typing feel, but their varying actuation weights and sound profiles cater to different user preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 used in the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches demonstrate both similarities and differences that influence the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus features a modified polycarbonate (PC) and UPE blend for its top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This contrasting material enhances the tactile experience, contributing to the switch's overall response. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g relies solely on nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon, being a classic material for switch housings, brings a softer and more muted sound profile, characteristic of deeper audio that many typists enjoy. Despite these differences in top housing materials, the two switches can still yield similar typing results due to their shared bottom housing material, which fundamentally affects sound and feel.
Both the Durock Black Lotus and Cloud - 50g feature nylon in their bottom housings, leading to a profound similarity in how the switches deliver sound and feel upon key press. The nylon's inherent properties contribute to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, effectively absorbing vibrations and providing a duller sound when the key bottoms out. Regardless of the top material differences, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a pleasant auditory feedback and tactile experience when typing. Consequently, even though the tactile sensations can vary slightly due to the top housing formulation of the Black Lotus, the nylon's influence remains a unifying factor.
In summary, while the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Cloud - 50g switches employ different materials for their top housings, they share the same nylon composition in the bottom housing, which plays a critical role in defining the typing experience. The Black Lotus’s modified PC and UPE blend in the top housing may lead to a different initial tactile response compared to the all-nylon Cloud - 50g, but the steadfast presence of nylon in the bottom assembly assures users enjoy a similar depth of sound and feel during operation. This similarity leads to a typing experience that many users find favorable, combining the unique benefits of each housing material to create satisfying auditory and tactile feedback while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Black Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making the Cloud the more suitable option for those seeking a less fatiguing typing experience during long usage periods. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus also surpasses the Cloud, with a measurement of 63.5 grams compared to the Cloud's 50 grams. This reinforces the Black Lotus as a better choice for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. Overall, with the Black Lotus being the heavier option and the Cloud - 50g being lighter, users can better tailor their selection to their typing preferences—whether that be the longer, easier sessions with the lighter switch or the more robust experience with the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, the Black Lotus boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cloud - 50g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that, if you're seeking a more pronounced feedback and a deeper keypress, the Black Lotus may be more favorable due to its greater travel distance, which is typical for traditional switches. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g’s shorter travel distance positions it as a more responsive option, appealing to gamers who prioritize quick actuation. While the difference is minimal, those who prefer the feeling of a more substantial press might lean toward the Black Lotus, whereas those who enjoy the snappier response of shorter switches might opt for the Cloud - 50g. Overall, the Black Lotus offers a longer travel distance, making it suitable for users who appreciate depth, while the Cloud - 50g caters to users who favor shorter, more immediate key presses.
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 - 50g 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 - 50g 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 renowned for its quiet operation, offering a smooth typing experience without any audible feedback that could be distracting in shared or professional spaces. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a stealthy environment while maintaining performance. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, providing a more cheerful auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a brighter and more pronounced sound when typing. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard plate, case materials, and keycap selections.
When it comes to feel, both switches excel in delivering a silky smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus is described as buttery smooth, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke that minimizes all forms of resistance during typing. Its polished characteristics further enhance the overall experience, ensuring friction is kept to a minimum. The Durock Black Lotus provides a mild yet satisfying tactile feedback that is comfortable for most typists. Similarly, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is also noted for its smooth feel, making it an appealing option for those who prefer a more delicate touch. Its lighter actuation weight at 50g compared to the Black Lotus's 55g could make it slightly easier to press, potentially resulting in a more agile typing experience.
In summary, while both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Cloud - 50g linear switches provide a silky smooth typing experience, they differ in their auditory profiles, with the Black Lotus being quieter and the Cloud featuring a clacky sound. The Black Lotus offers a more substantial actuation weight, promoting precision and control, while the Cloud's lighter weight may favor quicker and more energetic typing. Ultimately, both switches will deliver smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, but your choice may hinge on your preference for sound and the specific tactile feedback you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, actuation force, and sound preferences. If you appreciate a medium-heavy switch that offers unparalleled precision and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus is your best bet. Its higher bottom-out force of 63.5 grams caters well to those who like a more substantial key press, making it suitable for users who enjoy deliberate typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be more your style. With its lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a clacky sound profile, this switch is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant typing sensation with swift and responsive keystrokes. In terms of feel, while both options guarantee a smooth experience, the Black Lotus leans towards a polished and refined typing experience, while the Cloud - 50g offers a bright, engaging auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a heavier, precise typing feel with a silky smooth finish or a lighter, more engaging sound experience that enhances your keystrokes.
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