Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique features to suit different preferences. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced wobble for a more enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp resonance, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more bouncy and clacky typing experience. Both switches offer their own set of qualities that make them stand out; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus features a unique Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the HMX Xinhai. The polycarbonate material in the Xinhai creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Modified PC & UPE Blend in the Black Lotus offers a different, perhaps smoother, sound experience. Both materials offer translucent properties that are ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, but the specific feel and sound produced by each housing may vary.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Xinhai use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housings, any differences in sound or feel between the two may come from the unique design or construction of each switch, rather than the housing material itself.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Xinhai may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus offers a premium feel with its Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, while the Xinhai provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a unique feel or a distinct sound profile, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of weight. The Black Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more gentle option. Those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Black Lotus, while individuals looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on weight and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Black Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness. Both switches offer a different travel distance, providing users with varying options to suit their individual typing style.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, allowing for a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Black Lotus providing a quieter option compared to the more percussive sound of the Xinhai.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is renowned for its silky and buttery typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth keystroke with minimal resistance. This enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes any feedback that may disrupt the typing flow. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Xinhai switch offers a more lively feel with a sense of rebound when the keys are pressed, contrasting with the more polished and refined feel of the Black Lotus.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more refined feel, while the Xinhai delivers a more lively and percussive sound with a bouncier typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that both options cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with unparalleled precision, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that offers a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, then the Xinhai switch may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what attributes are most important to you when making your decision.
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