Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two standout options are the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Deep Navy, both of which are linear switches. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, offering a comfortable typing experience with minimal wobble. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize feel and accuracy. In addition, the Black Lotus features a unique light column for customizable in-switch lighting, enhancing aesthetics. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy stands out with its rich sound profile, stemming from its full nylon construction, ensuring durability while delivering silky smooth keystrokes for a satisfying tactile experience. While both switches offer great performance as linear options, the Deep Navy enhances auditory enjoyment, focusing on a sharper sound profile. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Deep Navy switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of material choice and their resultant sound profiles. The Durock Black Lotus features a top housing made from a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), which gives it a unique, premium feel. This blend is designed for durability and tactile response, contributing to a crisper sound upon key release. Conversely, the Deep Navy's top housing is constructed purely from nylon, a classic choice in the keyboard switch community. This nylon material, while reliable, offers a softer quality that results in a deeper, fuller sound when interacting with the keyboard, creating a softer tactile experience compared to the firmer Durock Black Lotus.
On the other hand, both the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Deep Navy use nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material choice leads to similar acoustic properties in both switches when the keys are pressed down. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound due to its softer plastic composition, which contributes to a duller but rounder sound profile. Both switches thus excel in delivering a satisfying auditory experience as a result of this common material, providing users with a consistent sound and feel when bottoming out during typing. This similarity in bottom housing helps reinforce a fundamental characteristic shared by both switches: a deeper, fuller sound profile.
In essence, while the Durock Black Lotus's top housing offers a distinct tactile experience and sound when releasing a key, its bottom housing aligns with the HMX Deep Navy's nylon bottom housing, creating parity in terms of sound when keys are engaged. This combination illustrates how the blend of materials can affect the overall experience, allowing for unique characteristics to surface while still ensuring a certain level of coherence in sound and feel between the two switches. Users seeking a balance between refined tactile feedback and full auditory experience will find that both switches provide these desired characteristics, albeit through varying housing compositions.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Deep Navy is lighter, featuring an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which makes it a more comfortable choice for extended typing sessions or for those who prefer less resistance. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter option that's easier on the fingers during prolonged use, the HMX Deep Navy is the way to go. Conversely, if you enjoy a firmer typing experience that provides more feedback and a stronger push feel, the Durock Black Lotus would be preferable. Overall, the decisive difference lies in their respective forces, with the Black Lotus being heavier and the Deep Navy offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that, while both switches provide a smooth keystroke, the Black Lotus offers a more traditional and deeper feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker responsiveness, ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. While both switches have their advantages, if a user prioritizes speed and a shorter actuation distance, the Deep Navy would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a greater depth in their keystrokes would lean towards the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on personal preference regarding travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 features a sound profile that promotes a quieter typing experience compared to other linear switches. Its construction minimizes noise generated during keystrokes, allowing for a more subdued and focused work environment. The Deep Navy, on the other hand, is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, crafted through its full nylon construction. This contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback, providing an engaging acoustic experience with every key press. While both switches excel in offering a pleasant auditory experience tailored to different preferences, your choice of keyboard and keycap material will ultimately influence the overall sound signature you experience.
When comparing the feel of each switch, the Black Lotus stands out with its exceptionally smooth and buttery keystroke, characterized by a silky texture that enhances the typing experience. The switch’s design minimizes housing and stem wobble, creating a steadier, more stable feel during typing, suited for precision and comfort. In contrast, the Deep Navy also promises a smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stem, specifically designed to reduce friction and provide a fluid keystroke. While the Black Lotus leans toward a polished and mild touch—making it approachable for a wider range of users—the Deep Navy offers a luxurious, yet similarly smooth sensation. Both switches deliver a top-tier tactile experience, ensuring that users enjoy every keystroke.
In summary, both the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches provide unique subjective qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Black Lotus excels in a quieter and smoother typing feel, the Deep Navy offers a more vibrant sound to complement its silky operation. Ultimately, both switches are engineered for performance, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience, making either an excellent choice for newcomers diving into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prioritize a silky, buttery feel and a robust typing force, the Black Lotus with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams might be your ideal choice. Its polished design minimizes friction and wobble, offering a refined experience that balances comfort and control—perfect for those long typing sessions or gaming marathons where precision is key. However, if you prefer a lighter switch that delivers an engaging sound profile along with a smooth keystroke, the Deep Navy with its 45-gram bottom out force could be more suited to your taste. Its full nylon construction ensures durability while providing a rich acoustic feedback that enhances your typing experience, making it an excellent option for casual use or if you enjoy the auditory aspects of mechanical keyboards. Overall, consider your typing style and preferences, whether you lean towards heavier and more tactile feedback or a light and sound-focused experience, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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