Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often consider key performance attributes like actuation weight, tactile feel, and sound profile. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, boasting a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfortable typing. Its design reduces housing and stem wobble, ensuring a more consistent experience, while the unique in-switch lighting adds a functional aesthetic. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a slightly heftier actuation weight of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that adds a lively character to typing. While the Black Lotus is ideal for those seeking a polished and refined typing experience, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with an engaging auditory component. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), it's essential to note that despite their differences, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. The Durock Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which imparts a distinctive premium feel that stands apart from the standard nylon used in the HMX Lotus (Heavy). While the Black Lotus's top housing elevates the overall tactile experience, the HMX's more traditional nylon top housing offers a classic touch that may appeal to minimalists or purists. Both designs cater to enthusiasts seeking unique performances, yet the varied top materials suggest a divergence in the overall typing experience, with the Black Lotus offering a more refined sensation.
Conversely, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This shared material brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer texture that absorbs sound better than harder plastics. The bottom housing significantly influences how the switch feels during actuation and bottoming out; thus, users of both switches can anticipate a similar acoustic characteristic when it comes to the sound emitted during key presses. This commonality implies that both switches will produce a more muted tone, characterized by a duller and rounder sound profile, enriching the auditory experience for users regardless of the top housing differences.
The contrasting top housing materials in these switches underscore how initial impressions can vary based on design choices while maintaining a cohesive sound experience due to the shared bottom housing material. Ultimately, while users of the Black Lotus may benefit from an enhanced premium feel from the PC and UPE Blend top housing, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) lends itself to a more classic approach with its nylon top. When pressed, the impact of the bottom housing reverberates similarly across both switches, indicating that while they each have unique characteristics in design and feel, they can still deliver akin auditory results intrinsically tied to the properties of their nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Black Lotus registering at 63.5 grams and the Lotus (Heavy) at 62.5 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar initial push, the Black Lotus requires slightly more force to bottom out compared to the Lotus (Heavy). As a result, the Black Lotus can be characterized as a slightly heavier option overall, which may offer a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer feel. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is marginally lighter at bottoming out, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, especially for those who favor a less strenuous keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference in travel distance may influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers, who often favor quicker response times, might prefer the HMX Lotus (Heavy) for its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience may lean towards the Durock Black Lotus, as its 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 notably quiet, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. This characteristic makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, such as offices or shared spaces. Contrasted with this, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) produces a bright, resonant sound that can be more audible and pleasing to those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. This pronounced sound can enhance the typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate an audible indicator of their keystrokes, making it a delight for those who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback.
When considering feel, the Black Lotus switch offers an exceptionally silky and buttery experience, ensuring that every keystroke is seamless and smooth. This refined touch is accompanied by mild characteristics that make it approachable for any typist, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the polished nature of the switch contributes to reduced friction and an overall smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) switch—while not described in great detail—promises a bouncy feeling due to its heavier actuation weight, which could provide a more tactile responsiveness. However, the absence of specific descriptors about its feel leaves some ambiguity regarding how it contrasts with the refined smoothness of the Black Lotus.
Overall, both switches offer distinct and enjoyable experiences tailored to different preferences. The Durock Black Lotus shines with its silky smoothness, making it suitable for those who value subtlety and ease during typing, especially in quieter settings. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced sound and a bouncy, responsive feel. While the Black Lotus caters to a smooth and discreet typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) seeks to engage the typist with its pronounced auditory feedback. Each switch can create a satisfying typing experience, but your ultimate choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preference regarding typing feel, weight, and sound. If you value a silky, buttery smooth typing experience and appreciate precision with minimal wobble, the Durock Black Lotus is likely the better option for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance without being overly strenuous, making it great for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bouncier feel under your fingers and enjoy a brighter, more resonant sound with each keystroke, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch with its 62.5 grams of actuation force may suit you better. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the smoothness and precision of the Black Lotus or the lively bounce of the HMX Lotus (Heavy).
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