Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Twilight present two intriguing options for enthusiasts looking for linear switches. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and remarkable precision; it boasts a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, while its innovative light column allows for vibrant in-switch lighting that can be fully removed. This switch is ideal for those who seek a refined typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a distinctive 3.85mm travel distance, promoting a quieter typing experience while still delivering the satisfying clack associated with HMX switches. This makes it an excellent choice for users who desire longer key travel but still want to maintain that tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and acoustic profiles, making the decision heavily reliant on individual taste. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 the HMX Twilight feature contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), which combines durability with a premium tactile response. This unique blend is designed to provide a specific feel and sound, enhancing the overall typist's experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer texture that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches are engineered to deliver a satisfying tactile response, the distinct properties of the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend introduce a firmer touch, contrasting with the softer and more muted characteristics of the Twilight's nylon.
Both the Black Lotus and Twilight feature nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similarities in sound profile when typing. As nylon tends to absorb sound due to its softer plastic nature, both switches create a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing results in a consistent auditory experience, where the impact of the sound is more subdued and pleasant while typing. Therefore, despite their differing top housing materials, both switches leverage nylon’s acoustic properties to evoke a fuller sound landscape when pressed down.
When evaluating the overall typing experience, the combination of each switch's top and bottom housings must be considered. The Black Lotus, with its modified PC & UPE blend top, influences the higher frequency sound as a key is released, delivering a more pronounced audible response, while the nylon bottom dominates the deeper frequency response. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight's nylon top reinforces a softer touch, but remains consistent in sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing. Consequently, despite the differences in top materials, both switches deliver a comparable auditory experience rooted in the acoustic benefits provided by their nylon bottom housings, resulting in a satisfying typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that is suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. As a result, the Black Lotus is the heavier option, while the Twilight is the lighter one, appealing to different preferences in the tactile feedback and typing dynamics. Users looking for a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Black Lotus, while those seeking ease and less strain during extended use might prefer the Twilight linear switch.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Twilight linear switches differ significantly, with the Black Lotus measuring 4 mm and the Twilight measuring 3.85 mm. This makes the Twilight the shorter option by 0.15 mm, which may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times as shorter travel distances allow for faster keystrokes. In contrast, the Black Lotus offers a more traditional and hearty depth, which can enhance the typing feel for those who prefer a more tactile experience. Those who favor a responsive typing experience might gravitate towards the Twilight, while those who appreciate a fuller keystroke may choose the Black Lotus for its longer travel distance.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 is noted for its subdued and muted acoustic profile, enabling a typing experience that is both understated and pleasant. This contributes to a less disruptive environment, especially in shared spaces. The HMX Twilight, with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, produces a slightly quieter sound while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics commonly associated with HMX switches. This means that while the Twilight may echo softly, it still brings an element of auditory feedback that can be satisfying for typists.
When considering the feel, the Black Lotus excels with its silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics that ensure an exceptionally smooth and refined keystroke experience. This combination minimizes resistance while typing, resulting in a fluid and comfortable interaction with the keyboard. The Durock Black Lotus switches promote a gentle typing experience that is welcoming to most users. The feel of the HMX Twilight switch remains unknown, but it would ideally complement the Black Lotus in terms of smoothness given the lineage of linear switches.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus stands out with its luxurious feel and quieter sound profile, making it suitable for typists who appreciate smoothness and precision. The Twilight, while retaining a clackier sound in a softer mod, provides its own experience that balances auditory feedback with comfort. Depending on your needs, both switches can yield satisfactory typing results, though they do highlight different aspects of the linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Twilight linear switches, it ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding force, feel, and application. If you favor a more substantial keystroke with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Black Lotus is your go-to choice. Its silky-smooth feel and low wobble make it perfect for typists who prioritize precision and enjoy a refined typing experience. The buttery sound adds an element of luxury, ensuring that every keystroke feels satisfying and luxurious. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX Twilight is an excellent alternative. Its extended travel distance of 3.85mm provides a unique typing experience that slightly dampens sound while still retaining the characteristic clack of HMX switches. This switch may be ideal for gamers or fast typers who require quick actuation without excessive force. Therefore, your choice will depend on whether you value the heaviness and precision of the Black Lotus or the lighter feel and extended travel of the Twilight, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to best meet your needs.
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