Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its buttery-smooth feel and exceptional precision, featuring a 55g actuation weight that balances responsiveness with comfort. Its design minimizes wobble for an enjoyable typing experience, and the innovative light column allows for customizable in-switch lighting. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) is a denser alternative, engineered with a PA12 top housing that lends itself to softer acoustics, while the POM stem delivers a crisp, high-pitched resonance that many typists find satisfying. This heavier switch appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers. While both switches provide unique benefits—smoothness and precision with the Black Lotus versus the refined acoustics and weight of the Xinhai (Heavy)—the choice ultimately boils down to individual preference. 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
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), it's crucial to note the contrast in their top housings. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and urethane (UPE), offering a unique and premium tactile experience. This combination provides the switch with enhanced durability and a specific feel that sets it apart from traditional materials. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that tends to yield a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Consequently, while both materials aim to provide a high-quality typing experience, the tactile and auditory responses differ owing to the properties of the materials in use.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which illustrates a significant similarity in their construction. Nylon, known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, lends a comparable, warmer auditory signature to both switches. In this regard, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel when actuating both switches, as the characteristics stemming from the nylon housing contribute to a rounder and subdued acoustic profile. The shared usage of nylon in the bottom housing not only promotes consistency across both models but also allows for a reliable typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate.
However, the separation of housing materials for the top and bottom of these switches leads to varying results in performance, despite certain similarities. The Durock Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing alters the top-out sound and tactile feedback, providing a more premium experience on key release compared to the purely nylon construction of the Xinhai (Heavy). As such, while both share the same bottom housing material contributing to a cohesive sound and feel during actuation, the superior characteristics of the Black Lotus’s top housing introduce a distinct premium layer to the overall typing experience. Thus, while users can enjoy similarities delivered by the nylon bottom housing, the overall performance and feel of the switches will diverge due to the different top housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means users can expect an equivalent keystroke experience in terms of responsiveness. However, the bottom-out forces differ slightly, with the Black Lotus at 63.5 grams and the Xinhai at 62.5 grams. This makes the Black Lotus marginally heavier when fully pressed down, providing a more robust tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Black Lotus is slightly heavier at the bottom-out, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Conversely, the Xinhai is the lighter option overall due to its lower bottom-out force, appealing to users seeking comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Black Lotus stands out with its travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter distance, caters to users who prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation, typical among gamers. Consequently, if you are looking for a more pronounced key press, the Black Lotus is the better choice, whereas if you value quicker response times, the Xinhai (Heavy) may suit your needs more effectively.
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 (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 Xinhai (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 linear switch is characterized by its unique acoustic profile, which remains understated due to the switch's design that minimizes noise without losing a pleasant typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its POM stem, resulting in a sound that embodies a subtle sophistication. While both switches are crafted to provide a quality acoustic experience, they deliver different auditory sensations that may resonate differently with individual users. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the keyboard they are housed in and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus excels with descriptors like silky, buttery, and polished, highlighting its exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. It reduces wobble and friction, resulting in a mild and approachable sensation that most users find accessible. This switch's design promotes a seamless keystroke, making it pleasant for long typing sessions. The Xinhai (Heavy), however, does not provide specific descriptors for its feel, leaving its tactile characteristics open to speculation. The combination of its heavier actuation weight might suggest a firmer typing experience, which can be appealing for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
In summary, both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus shines with its smoothness and refined auditory output, making it ideal for those seeking an elegant typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) brings a heavier tactile sensation and a crisp sound, which may appeal to users who enjoy a little more heft in their presses. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and subtlety or a distinct and solid feedback—a balance of preferences that can dictate your overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a silky and polished feel with minimal resistance, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice, thanks to its smooth actuation and reduced wobble. It's particularly advantageous for those who enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force combined with refined acoustics, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming without the harshness often associated with other switches. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier actuation with a unique acoustic profile that leans towards a crisp, higher-pitched sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) might suit you better. Its PA12 top housing offers softer acoustics and a touch of sophistication, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial feel with a touch of subtlety in sound. Ultimately, whether you seek a buttery, refined experience with the Black Lotus or a bold, crisp touch with the Xinhai (Heavy), both switches provide excellent performance tailored to specific preferences, ensuring that your keyboard experience is just right for you.
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