Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two compelling options, each tailored for different user preferences. The Durock Black Lotus offers a luxurious typing experience characterized by a silky smooth feel and exceptional precision, thanks in part to its reduced housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance that appeals to both casual typists and dedicated gamers looking for a reliable performance. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is specifically engineered for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force at just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs essential for fast-paced gaming. While the Black Lotus is designed for maximal typing pleasure with its polished touch and in-switch lighting, the Vintage Citrus delivers a bright, clacky sound that enhances the gaming experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, which ultimately influences the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and urethane elastomer (UPE), a combination designed to enhance the switch's feel and acoustics. This blend typically results in a premium tactile experience, providing a smooth and satisfying feedback when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus embraces traditional nylon for its top housing. This classic material is known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer nature which absorbs vibrations and diminishes high-pitched sounds. Therefore, while both switches provide a quality typing experience, the Black Lotus emphasizes a more modern, engineered sensation, whereas the Vintage Citrus leans on time-tested materials for a nostalgic feel.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus employ nylon, which creates a level playing field in terms of acoustic properties. As noted, nylon's softer texture significantly dampens sound, producing a rounder and more subtle auditory response when typing. This similarity means that both switches will deliver similar performance regarding sound profile and tactile feedback from the bottom housing. Users can expect a consistent response from both switches, with the nylon bottom acting as the foundation for sound and impact, ensuring that the auditory experience remains deep and satisfying regardless of the brand.

In sum, the contrasting materials of the top housings in the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus illustrate the different philosophies behind their design. The Black Lotus’s modified PC and UPE blend provides a unique modern twist, appealing to those who favor innovation in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus’s reliance on nylon speaks to the enduring quality and comfort favored by traditionalists. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing allows both switches to maintain a rich auditory profile, while the distinction in top housing emphasizes how varied materials can produce similar results in overall sound and tactile satisfaction. Thus, users can choose between these two switches based on their preferred feel without compromising on the deep acoustic quality inherent in both designs.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial feel for typists who prefer a stronger push. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This lighter force is particularly beneficial for users who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, while the Black Lotus offers a heftier typing experience, the Vintage Citrus is a better choice for those seeking ease and comfort in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, we find a notable difference. The Black Lotus boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. While the 4 mm distance of the Black Lotus aligns with more traditional preferences—offering a fuller keystroke for those who enjoy a deeper feel—the 3 mm travel of the Vintage Citrus caters to a more modern trend where gamers prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced depth, the Black Lotus is the way to go, whereas if you favor rapid response and quicker keystrokes, the Vintage Citrus would be the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a more subdued audio profile compared to the HMX Vintage Citrus. While the specific sound qualities of the Black Lotus are noted as being generally less resonant, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with a bright, clacky sound, appealing to gamers who often prefer auditory feedback during fast-paced gameplay. It's important to remember that the sound produced can greatly depend on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which means the differences in sound can be accentuated or diminished based on individual setups.

When examining the feel of each switch, the Durock Black Lotus clearly shines with descriptors like silky, buttery, mild, and polished, indicating an incredibly smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes resistance during both keystroke and release. This makes the Black Lotus a compelling choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, while not defined by specific qualities in the provided information, is built for rapid inputs with a uniquely low actuation force which suggests a quick, responsive feel ideal for gaming scenarios. The focus on speed in the Vintage Citrus may provide a stark contrast to the overall smoothness of the Black Lotus.

In summary, both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Durock Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth, meticulous typing experience that appeals to casual typists and professionals alike, while the HMX Vintage Citrus focuses on speed, making it a favored option for gamers. Though both switches have separate sound profiles and tactile responses, users of either switch can expect a high-quality experience tailored to their specific needs, whether they lean towards smoothness or rapid response.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you seek a switch that offers a balanced, tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, then the Black Lotus is an excellent option. Its reduced housing and stem wobble, along with its polished and buttery typing characteristics, make it ideal for those who prioritize typing precision and enjoy a refined feel. Conversely, if you're a gamer looking for rapid response times and prefer a lighter touch, the Vintage Citrus with its medium-light bottom out force and exceptionally low actuation distance will be more suited to your needs. Its clacky sound profile and smooth push feel enhance the overall gaming experience, making it ideal for those who thrive on quick key presses. In summary, let your typing style and intended use guide your decision: go for the Black Lotus for a precise, elegant typing experience, or choose the Vintage Citrus for fast-paced gaming and quick inputs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more