Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Canglan V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Canglan V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two popular options exemplify different approaches to tactile feedback: the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Canglan V2. The Blue Lotus is characterized by its tactile intensity and quick responsiveness, offering a pronounced tactile bump with a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7mm. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate clear feedback with every keystroke, enhanced further by its detachable light column that allows for striking RGB illumination. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 presents a smooth linear experience, designed for those who favor a fluid keypress without tactile interruption. Its deep sound signature and lightweight feel provide an enjoyable typing experience that's perfect for gamers and typists alike seeking a quieter operation. While both switches excel in their designated strengths—gritty tactile feedback versus seamless linearity—individual preferences will ultimately dictate the best choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Canglan V2, key differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), which provides a unique and premium feel. This combination is designed to enhance the tactile feedback experienced while typing. In contrast, the Canglan V2 features a traditional nylon top housing. While nylon is a classic material known for its softer texture and its ability to dampen sound, it may not deliver the same refined tactile sensation offered by the modified PC & UPE blend of the Blue Lotus. The distinction in the top housing materials implies that users may experience variations in both feel and sound when typing on these switches.
In terms of their bottom housings, the situation is notably similar, as both the Blue Lotus and the Canglan V2 employ nylon for this component. This shared use of nylon contributes to a deep and fuller sound profile across both switch types. The properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, absorb more sound compared to harder materials, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the top housings differ in composition and tactile feedback, the bottom housings harmonize in providing similar sound characteristics, which may make the typing experience somewhat consistent in terms of auditory feedback.
When pressed, the bottom housing tends to dominate the overall feel and sound upon bottoming out, while the impact of the top housing material is more pronounced during key release. Consequently, although the Durock Blue Lotus offers a distinct tactile quality due to its unique top housing, the combined effects of both switches' bottom housings lead to similar acoustic properties. Therefore, users might find that while they experience varying tactile feedback, the sound profile remains comparably rich and muted, underscoring a fundamental similarity despite the differences in the top housing materials. This interplay ensures that both switches can deliver quality typing experiences, albeit with unique nuances tied to their respective designs.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Canglan V2 boasts a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a preferable option for users who favor a lighter touch during long typing or gaming sessions. This means that users looking for a more substantial, tactile typing experience may prefer the Blue Lotus, whereas those who prioritize a softer keystroke will likely opt for the Canglan V2 due to its overall lighter feel. Thus, the Durock Blue Lotus is the heavier option, while the HMX Canglan V2 is the lighter switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this comparison, the Blue Lotus offers a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Canglan V2, with its shorter travel distance, may provide quicker response times, catering to gamers who favor rapid actuation for enhanced performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Canglan V2 is the better option; however, if you appreciate more depth in your keystrokes, the Blue Lotus is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 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 produced by the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized as deep and bassy, offering a richer auditory experience during typing. This lower frequency sound gives the switch a satisfying depth, likely enhancing the overall feedback when a key is pressed. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Canglan V2 switch remain unspecified. However, it is essential to remember that the acoustic qualities of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other factors in the setup, which may result in a similar auditory experience between them despite the differences in descriptions.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch boasts a medium tactile profile, described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means that while it provides a marked tactile response, it maintains a smooth linearity that prevents it from becoming overwhelming. The snappy nature of the Blue Lotus indicates that it’s designed for quick responsiveness, enhancing the typing experience significantly. The stepped feature adds a unique dual-stage sensation, where the user can feel both pre-travel and post-travel before the bottoming out occurs. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Canglan V2 switch is not detailed, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in terms of tactility, smoothness, or responsiveness.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus presents a well-defined auditory and tactile experience, with its bassy sound and responsive tactile feedback being significant highlights. The HMX Canglan V2 switch, while touted for its smoothness and lower auditory profile, lacks specific details regarding its sound and tactile characteristics, which makes it impossible to thoroughly compare the two. The ultimate choice between them will depend on your personal preferences, especially if you prioritize a tactile feel with detailed feedback or desire a smooth linear experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a more tactile feel with a satisfying bump and a noticeable auditory signature, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who engage in typing-intensive tasks and enjoy feedback with a slightly heavier keypress, thanks to its 65-gram bottom-out force. The Blue Lotus delivers a snappy response and a rich, bassy sound that makes every keystroke feel impactful—ideal for creating a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch, with less tactile feedback and a quieter operation, the HMX Canglan V2 is your go-to option. At just 48 grams of actuation force, this switch is particularly suited for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue. Its thocky sound profile and smooth travel can provide a pleasing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your balance between tactile feedback and smoothness, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience aligns perfectly with your personal preferences.
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