Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Hibiscus are two exceptional linear options to consider. The Black Lotus switch boasts a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, effectively minimizing housing and stem wobble for an ideal typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more substantial touch. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus offers an ultra-light actuation force that provides a truly distinctive typing experience, surpassing 80% of all switches in this regard. This switch not only delivers a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature but also offers pristine smoothness that delight users looking for auditory feedback in their keystrokes. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Black Lotus for those desiring a refined and stable feel, and the Hibiscus for users who enjoy a light touch and an engaging auditory 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
42g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
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 Durock Black Lotus and HMX Hibiscus switches offer distinct experiences through their unique housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing, which is designed to provide a premium feel and responsiveness. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus relies on a classic nylon top housing, well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences between the materials highlight how the Black Lotus emphasizes a more refined tactile experience while the Hibiscus delivers a sound character that is softer and warmer due to nylon's inherent properties.
Interestingly, both the Black Lotus and Hibiscus utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material means that both switches benefit from the same sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. While the Black Lotus employs a modified PC and UPE blend at the top, which may impact sound dynamics as you release the key, both switches will yield a similar sound profile at the bottom due to their identical bottom housing compositions. Consequently, the fundamental qualities of this material ensure a rich acoustic experience for both switches despite their differing top housing materials.
When pressing down on either switch, the interaction between the top and bottom housings influences the overall typing experience. Since both the Black Lotus and Hibiscus have nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent bottom-out sensation that benefits from nylon's sound-dampening effect. However, the nuances in feel and sound response during the key release will differ primarily due to the contrasting top housing materials: the Black Lotus's modified blend enhancing tactile feedback and the Hibiscus's nylon maintaining a softer auditory profile. Ultimately, while there are significant contrasts in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom creates a foundational consistency between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Hibiscus is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, marking it as a lightweight option. This discrepancy means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Black Lotus due to its heavier forces, which can provide a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, those looking for easier keystrokes and extended typing comfort may find the Hibiscus more appealing. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique advantages based on personal preference, the Black Lotus is the heavier switch, while the Hibiscus is the lighter one.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference makes the Black Lotus the longer switch, providing a more substantial keypress experience. Meanwhile, the Hibiscus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker actuation and more responsive typing or gaming. For gamers in particular, the Hibiscus may offer an advantage due to its reduced distance, potentially allowing for faster response times. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, the Black Lotus may be the preferable choice. Overall, your decision between the two may hinge on your personal preference for travel distance, wherein the Black Lotus offers a traditional and hearty feel compared to the more rapid response of the Hibiscus.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
The sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is notably subdued, creating a pleasant and low-key auditory experience that many users find appealing for a quieter environment. This subtlety allows for a more focused typing session without the distraction of loud acoustics. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch offers a distinctive sound signature that is characterized as satisfingly clacky, poppy, and crispy. The Hibiscus’ sound profile can provide an enjoyable, more engaging auditory feedback, making it preferable for users who appreciate a more resonant typing experience. This variation in sound showcases how the two switches cater to different user preferences, with the Black Lotus focusing on quiet efficiency while the Hibiscus leans into a livelier audibility.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Black Lotus stands out for its silky, buttery smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid and refined typing experience. It minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness thanks to reduced housing and stem wobble. The actuation force of 55g contributes to a mild yet responsive interaction, making it approachable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus focuses on providing an ultra-light feel, making it easier to actuate for those preferring a softer touch. However, details about its overall tactile experience remain unspecified. As such, while the Black Lotus emphasizes precision and control, the Hibiscus seems to offer a more effortless actuation, though the full extent of its tactile qualities is yet to be determined.
In summary, both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Hibiscus linear switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus provides a refined, smooth, and quiet operation, making it ideal for those seeking a polished feel. Meanwhile, the Hibiscus delivers a more engaging and crispy sound profile with an ultra-light actuation, appealing to users who enjoy a lively auditory experience. Choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize sound and light action or if you prefer a high-quality, silky-smooth typing sensation without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, both choices can offer satisfying results that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a more tactile and refined typing experience, the Black Lotus, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, offers a silky and polished feel that reduces wobble, making it ideal for precision typing and long hours of use without fatigue. The buttery sound and mild feedback can cater to those who appreciate a smooth, non-distracting auditory profile while typing. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more expressive sound, the HMX Hibiscus would be your go-to option. With an ultra-light actuation force of just 48 grams, these switches delight in their clacky and crispy sound signature, providing an engaging and playful typing experience. The Hibiscus's lighter action makes it suitable for fast typists who appreciate a quick response and feedback as they type. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and sound preferences: choose the Black Lotus for a refined, smooth experience and the Hibiscus for a lively, responsive feedback.
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