Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances of feel and performance can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Black Lotus stands out with its silky-smooth action, offering unparalleled precision and minimal wobble, thanks to its excellent build quality. With a moderate actuation weight of 55g, it strikes a balance that caters to typists seeking a refined experience without excessive force. Additionally, its unique light column provides in-switch lighting, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the HMX Perky features softer, glittery nylon housings that deliver a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience. Its shorter travel distance results in a more condensed feel, perfect for those who prefer quicker key presses. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, the Black Lotus emphasizes a polished and precise touch, whereas the Perky leans toward a softer and more playful engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Perky showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their tactile and auditory experiences. The Black Lotus features a modified Polycarbonate (PC) and UPE blend for its top housing, presenting a unique and premium feel. This blend likely contributes to a smoother keystroke and potentially enhances the overall durability of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a classic nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and rounder sound profile. The intrinsic properties of nylon, being softer than many plastics, allow it to absorb more sound, which can lead to a more muted auditory feedback compared to the sharper sound that could be produced by the Black Lotus's modified plastic.
For the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Perky employ nylon, which serves to equalize their sound profiles and tactile experiences to an extent. The nylon bottom housing across both switches assists in delivering a consistent deep and full sound when the key is pressed down. Because nylon is softer than other materials, it ensures that the bottom-out sound remains subdued, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a rounded auditory feedback. Thus, while the top housings vary in material and potentially feel, the similarities in the bottom housings help bring a cohesive element to the auditory characteristics and tactile sensations the user experiences with both switches.
Ultimately, despite the differing materials of the top housings in the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Perky, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings means that users can expect comparable auditory responses from both switches. The modified properties of the Black Lotus's top housing may create a more sophisticated feel, while the classic nylon of the Perky assures a dreadfully pleasing typing experience. This distinction suggests that users who favor a more premium tactile experience may lean toward the Black Lotus, while those who appreciate the classic, full-bodied sound profile will find a lot to love in the HMX Perky. Nonetheless, both switches are designed to maximize efficiency, providing satisfying keystrokes that enhance overall typing enjoyment.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it’s clear that they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial and firm typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. As a result, the Black Lotus is considered to be medium-heavy, while the Perky is classified as light in terms of weight. This distinction means that users who prefer a lighter switch will find the HMX Perky more comfortable for prolonged use, while those who appreciate a heavier push feel will likely gravitate towards the Durock Black Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we find that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference reflects a broader trend where shorter travel distances, like that of the Perky, are gaining popularity among gamers for their quicker response times. Those seeking a more pronounced and deeper keystroke may prefer the Black Lotus due to its longer 4 mm travel distance, which provides a more tactile feel. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, whereas the Durock Black Lotus would cater to those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 quality of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is characterized by a notably refined profile that encourages a quieter typing experience, which can enhance focus during long sessions. While the specific auditory attributes are not detailed, the switch is designed to be more subdued, ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise control is paramount. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch, although its exact sound characteristics aren't specified, is noted for its potential for a deeper and satisfying auditory feedback due to its softer nylon housing, which may produce a gentler sound when pressed. The overall sound profile will ultimately depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, but these inherent qualities suggest that both switches aim to provide a pleasant auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus excels with its silky, buttery, mild, and polished attributes, promising an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The reduction of housing and stem wobble contributes to a taut typing sensation, ensuring that each press feels precise and controlled. This juxtaposes with the HMX Perky, which offers a neutral yet deeply satisfying tactile experience, aided by its shorter travel distance that promotes a more condensed typing experience. While the exact descriptors for the Perky switches are not outlined, they are generally perceived to provide a slightly softer feedback when compared to the more refined feel of the Black Lotus.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Perky switches provide unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus offers a superior smoothness and precision, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize a refined keystroke, while the Perky provides a satisfying and soft touch, perfect for users who desire a more relaxed typing experience. While their sound qualities may not be distinctly outlined for comparison, the overall feel and characteristics of both switches reveal how they can yield similar yet personalized typing outcomes, depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your preferences and typing habits can greatly influence your decision. If you value a medium-heavy feel with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its silky smoothness, minimal wobble, and buttery sound characteristics make it ideal for those who prioritize precision and a premium typing experience, particularly for typists who often engage in long writing sessions or gaming where accuracy is paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the HMX Perky switch may better suit your needs. Its softer nylon housings deliver a more neutral typing experience, making it an ideal option for users who enjoy a faster response or those who wish to minimize finger fatigue during extended use, thanks to its shorter travel distance. The choice ultimately depends on whether you seek a robust and refined journey with the Black Lotus or a quicker and more satisfying touch with the Perky.
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