Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Cheese offer distinct experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Blue Lotus from Durock stands out with its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a marked tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches combine performance with visual appeal. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, thanks to their ultra-light design. With a satisfying clacky sound signature, these switches offer a unique typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
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 long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Cheese both feature nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. However, the Blue Lotus has a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Cheese in terms of the material used for the top housing.
While both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, they differ in the material used for the top housing. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a different typing experience compared to the Cheese's nylon top housing. The combination of materials in the Blue Lotus results in a switch that offers both a premium feel and a deeper sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Cheese may produce a slightly different sound due to its all-around use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Cheese contribute to their unique typing experiences. The Blue Lotus stands out with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which adds a premium feel to the switch. On the other hand, the Cheese's all-around use of nylon creates a consistent and deeper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, showcasing how the choice of housing material can impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch's 43 grams, making the Blue Lotus heavier. Additionally, the Blue Lotus has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Cheese's 46 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more force to fully press the key down, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cheese switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference for users.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Blue Lotus offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Cheese switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the depth of key presses and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 Blue Lotus switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Cheese switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized as having an accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feel, providing a balanced and responsive typing experience without being overwhelming. Conversely, the tactile feel of the HMX Cheese switch is unknown – as a linear switch, it may offer a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Blue Lotus excels in tactile intensity and responsiveness with a visually appealing design, the Cheese provides a smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing feel. If one is looking for a tactile and responsive typing experience, the Blue Lotus is a great choice, while those seeking a smooth and linear typing experience may prefer the HMX Cheese switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you value a tactile and responsive typing feel with a slightly heavier actuation force, then the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, then the HMX Cheese switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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