Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the ideal mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming needs, the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Deep Navy present two compelling options, each tailored to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switches are tactile, delivering a pronounced bump that enhances typing accuracy, making them a favorite among those who appreciate feedback with every keystroke. Their unique design features a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column, allowing for dazzling RGB illumination, which adds a captivating visual element to your setup. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches offer a linear experience characterized by their silky smooth keystrokes and rich sound profile, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem. This makes them an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and quiet operation without tactile interruptions. Both switches serve distinct tastes: the Blue Lotus is perfect for those seeking a tactile and engaging typing experience, while the Deep Navy caters to individuals preferring a seamless and silent workflow. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Deep Navy switches present an intriguing comparison in housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Blue Lotus features a modified blend of PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), which provides a unique, premium feel that enhances typing experiences and can lead to a distinctive characteristic in sound. In contrast, the Deep Navy's nylon top housing is a classic choice that emphasizes a fuller sound profile due to its softer, more sound-absorbing characteristics. While both switches aim to offer a satisfying tactile experience, the materials suggest that the Blue Lotus may deliver a crisper response, whereas the Deep Navy leans towards a more muted and deep resonance.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Deep Navy utilize nylon, a material known for its sound-absorbing properties. In this regard, both switches share a common foundation that contributes to their typing sound profiles. The nylon's inherent softness allows for a deeper, rounder sound when pressed, offering a seamless similarity in bottom-out feel and acoustics across both switches. This commonality means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when bottoming out on either switch, as the nylon bottom housing's impact on sound is consistent in both cases.
However, the divergence in the top housing materials does lead to varying overall sound characteristics and responsiveness when typing. While both switches provide a full sound due to their nylon bottoms, the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend in the top housing could yield a sharper, more immediate sound when released, contrasting with the Deep Navy's more subdued tone. Therefore, while the bottom housings produce similar auditory qualities, the distinct materials in the top housings suggest that the Blue Lotus may excel in clarity, while the Deep Navy offers a warmer and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, users may choose their switch based on preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback, understanding that while they might share similarities in certain aspects, each brings its unique charm to the typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Blue Lotus features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy range. In contrast, the Deep Navy offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that while both switches have a clear purpose, the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Deep Navy allows for quicker key presses with less effort. Consequently, users looking for a more effortless and comfortable typing experience might lean towards the Deep Navy, whereas those who appreciate a firmer push should consider the Blue Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, the two differ slightly, with the Blue Lotus measuring 3.7 mm and the Deep Navy at 3.6 mm. While both switch types are relatively close, the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance, resulting in a more noticeable keypress depth that some users may prefer for a tactile feedback experience. Conversely, the Deep Navy’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, making it feel more immediate when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth, with the Blue Lotus offering a more profound engagement and the Deep Navy catering to those who favor a swifter actuation.
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 Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The auditory experience provided by Durock's Blue Lotus switches is distinctively deep and rich, categorized as "bassy." This sound profile enhances the overall typing experience, enveloping users in a foundation of lower frequency tones that resonate with each keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Deep Navy switches do not have a detailed sound profile available at this time, leaving their auditory characteristics unspecified. However, it's essential to recognize that the sound emitted during key presses can significantly vary based on the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used, which means users could enjoy a well-rounded auditory experience with either switch.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switches shine through their "accented" and "snappy" descriptions. These switches strike an excellent balance between being responsive and providing a noticeable tactile bump without feeling overwhelming or scratchy. Their stepped design further enhances this experience, as it allows for a sensation reminiscent of a two-stage keystroke. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Deep Navy switches are presently unknown, which makes direct comparisons in this category challenging. However, enthusiasts often find that even with different tactile designs, factors such as spring adjustments and materials can produce satisfying experiences across various switches.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a rich aural profile with an engaging tactile feel, the HMX Deep Navy’s characteristics, particularly in sound and feel, remain unexplored in depth. Users seeking a pronounced sound with a responsive tactile experience may gravitate toward the Blue Lotus, while those interested in a linear switch might need to consider how their specific preferences align with the known qualities of linear switches in general. Until more details about the Deep Navy switches become available, it's difficult to draw comprehensive conclusions on how they might compare directly.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and HMX Deep Navy linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences, typing style, and intended use. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a slightly heavier keypress, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. Its 65-gram bottom-out force gives it a satisfying heft that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming sessions where tactile responsiveness is key. The Blue Lotus’s snappy nature and distinct sound profile can also elevate your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a bit of acoustic depth in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother feel with minimal resistance, the light 45-gram bottom-out force of the Deep Navy is your best bet. This switch is perfect for long typing sessions or gamers who need quick, fluid movements without the tactile bump getting in the way. The silky smoothness of the Deep Navy allows for rapid key presses, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound; whether you desire the tactile engagement of the Blue Lotus or the smoothness of the Deep Navy, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences.
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