Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Gravel stand out as two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, boasting a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantiality and ease of use. This switch also features reduced housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing enjoyment, along with a unique light column that allows for customizable in-switch lighting. In contrast, the HMX Gravel provides a medium-light actuation force that leans even lighter, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more responsive and effortless typing experience without sacrificing smoothness. While both switches offer distinct advantages, the Black Lotus is ideal for those who prioritize precision and customization, whereas the Gravel is great for users who seek a lighter and more responsive touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
The Durock Black Lotus and HMX Gravel switches showcase distinct top housing materials, which contribute to their unique sound profiles and overall performance. The Black Lotus features a modified blend of PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), which gives it a premium feel that enhances user experience. In contrast, the Gravel opts for a standard polycarbonate top housing that is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both switches utilize materials conducive to a responsive switch feel, the primary distinction lies in the Black Lotus's modified blend, which aims to offer a more refined acoustic experience compared to the Gravel's straightforward polycarbonate.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and Gravel incorporate nylon, a traditional and well-regarded material in the switch community. Nylon's softer plastic composition provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, making both switches resonate similarly when typing. This shared feature means that users can expect a consistent auditory feedback when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel during key presses, both switches deliver a pleasant typing experience with an emphasis on depth, rendering their individual top housing characteristics less impactful in this regard.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Gravel ultimately share the same bottom housing material—nylon—which establishes a common ground for users seeking a rich sound profile. While the sound signature may vary slightly due to the unique properties of the top housings, the overall typing experience remains satisfying due to the nylon's sound absorption capabilities. Thus, users of either switch can anticipate similar results in terms of general acoustics and feel, making both the Black Lotus and Gravel appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts who value diverse sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch present a notable contrast in actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Gravel switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This difference in force reflects distinct user preferences: the Black Lotus may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience, ideal for gamers or typists who prefer a stronger push. On the other hand, the Gravel is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, anyone selecting between these two switches should consider how the differences in actuation and bottom out forces align with their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the most traditional travel distance for keyboards. In contrast, the HMX Gravel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters to the preferences of gamers who favor quicker response times due to less key travel. This difference means that typists or gamers who appreciate a more substantial feel might prefer the Black Lotus for its deeper travel, while those seeking rapid actuation might opt for the Gravel. Ultimately, the choice hinges on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Gravel being the shorter option at 3.5 mm, and the Black Lotus providing a longer travel distance at 4 mm.
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 Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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 linear switch boasts an operation that is fairly quiet, characteristic of most linear switches, which makes it suitable for environments where noise might be an issue. However, the specific auditory qualities of the Black Lotus are not detailed here, leaving its exact sound profile somewhat open-ended. The HMX Gravel linear switch, while also prioritizing quiet performance, is recognized for its refined sound, fostering a pleasant typing environment. Sound can vary based on the keyboard build and the keycaps used, so both switches are likely to produce a similarly subdued auditory experience when paired with compatible setups.
When considering feel, the Durock Black Lotus excels with its silky smoothness, offering a buttery keystroke experience that minimizes resistance and enhances typing enjoyment. This switch is also described as mild and polished, indicating a gentle, versatile typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. In contrast, the HMX Gravel linear switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless feel. While the Gravel leans slightly towards the lighter side, both switches are crafted to ensure a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, making them ideal for those who prioritize tactile comfort.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Gravel linear switches provide smooth and refined typing experiences, with the Black Lotus offering a slightly heavier actuation and a more polished feel. The sound profile of both switches is relatively quiet, suited for environments where noise control is necessary. Ultimately, both switches excel in providing high-quality typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, though personal preference on actuation weight and subtle feel differences may guide users towards one over the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Gravel switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that delivers a silky, polished typing experience, with minimal wobble and exceptional precision, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its 63.5g bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing performance, making it particularly suitable for users who favor a more deliberate and controlled keystroke. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter actuation force that promotes rapid key presses and an effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, this switch caters to a more responsive typing style, ideal for fast-paced gaming or those who prefer a less strenuous feel with every keystroke. Ultimately, your decision will be guided by whether you seek tactile satisfaction with the Black Lotus or a quick and smooth interaction with the Gravel.
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