Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX KD200 both stand out as excellent linear options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus is lauded for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, featuring a 55g actuation weight that strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its design minimizes housing and stem wobble, allowing for a pleasurable typing experience, and it even includes a distinctive light column for customizable in-switch lighting. In contrast, the HMX KD200 prides itself on being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offering a more tactile feedback sensation that can be enjoyable for those who seek auditory engagement in their typing. While both switches offer the linear sought-after action, the refined characteristics of the Black Lotus may appeal to purists searching for perfection in their keystrokes, whereas the KD200 caters to those who relish a bit of auditory celebration with every press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

HMX KD200 Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX KD200, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality between the two creates a similar auditory experience, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon as a housing material allows for enhanced sound absorption, producing a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when typing. This shared quality means that users can expect comparable performance in terms of sound characteristics from the bottom housing of both switches, regardless of the differences found in their respective top materials.

However, the top housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches. The Durock Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE, which offers a unique and premium tactile experience. This material can create a brighter sound profile when keys are released, adding a distinct sharpness to the auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX KD200 utilizes a traditional nylon top housing that aligns with the properties of its bottom counterpart. As a result, while the Black Lotus might provide a comparatively more pronounced sound upon key release due to its harder materials, the KD200’s nylon top will enhance the overall sound dampening and provide a softer auditory experience.

Ultimately, the different top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles for each switch when they are engaged. While both switches maintain similar deep and round sound characteristics in their bottom housing, the Durock Black Lotus introduces a level of brightness and premium feel through its modified PC & UPE blend top, contrasting with the more traditional and softer nylon top of the KD200. For those seeking a more nuanced typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus will likely be the preferred choice; however, both switches will deliver a satisfying performance with a consistent character stemming from their common nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the KD200 offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the KD200 more suitable for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long periods of use, while the Black Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a more robust tactile feedback with its heavier resistance. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch should opt for the KD200, whereas those who enjoy a firmer feel might prefer the Black Lotus. Overall, the differences in force characteristics highlight the diverse preferences of typists and gamers alike.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Black Lotus boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional switch feel and provides a deeper keypress experience. In contrast, the KD200 has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times and a less pronounced bottoming out. This shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some users, while others who appreciate the satisfying depth of a keypress may prefer the Black Lotus. Ultimately, for those seeking a switch that offers a traditional, hearty feel, the Durock Black Lotus is the better choice, whereas the HMX KD200 caters to users prioritizing responsiveness with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is characterized by its discreet and muted acoustics, making it a suitable choice for both quiet environments and those who prefer a subtler typing experience. This can be particularly advantageous for users who type in shared spaces or during late-night sessions. Meanwhile, the HMX KD200 switch stands out as the clackiest option in the HMX Film switch family, suggesting a more pronounced auditory feedback that might be appealing for users who enjoy a sharper, more tactile sound during their typing. The specific sound profile of the KD200 can create a more dynamic typing atmosphere, though it may not cater to those who prefer silence while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus delivers an exceptionally silky and buttery experience, ensuring smooth keystrokes with minimal resistance. Its design minimizes housing and stem wobble, which enhances the overall precision of each press, allowing for a refined and polished typing experience. This makes it approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of users, as its mild characteristics cater to those who appreciate a balanced and comfortable typing sensation. In contrast, the feel of the KD200 is not specifically detailed, but given its classification as a clacky switch, one might expect it to present a different tactile feedback that could be less smooth compared to the Black Lotus, likely appealing more to users who enjoy an auditory response paired with their tactile experience.

In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus linear switch excels with its refined and subdued sound and silky, polished feel, the HMX KD200 switch caters to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience with its clacky sound profile. If sound quality and typing feel are critical factors in your switch choice, the Black Lotus will offer a quieter and smoother typing session, while the KD200 will provide a lively auditory sensation. Ultimately, your personal preferences and typing environments will dictate which switch enhances your mechanical keyboard experience more effectively, but both offer unique qualities that can deliver satisfying results in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch should be guided by your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you seek a luxurious typing sensation, the Black Lotus switches are your best bet. With their medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, they offer a silky smooth, buttery feel that minimizes wobble and enhances precision. Their polished construction ensures a refined typing experience, making them ideal for typists who desire both comfort and elegance during extended use. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a lighter key feel coupled with a louder and more pronounced sound profile, the HMX KD200 is a fantastic option. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the KD200 allows for quicker keystrokes and a more playful typing experience, especially if you appreciate a clackier sound. Therefore, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth and polished experience with the Black Lotus or if you prefer a lighter touch combined with a more engaging sound from the KD200. Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so consider your personal preferences to determine which switch will elevate your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more