Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX FJ400

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch plays a crucial role in tailoring your typing experience. The Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback and responsive feel. With a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm, it provides enthusiasts with an engaging and snappy typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation with every keystroke. Additionally, the Blue Lotus features a detachable light column that enhances any setup with vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually striking element to its performance. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 stands as a linear switch that offers a more subtle and smooth typing experience, catering to users who prefer a noise-free environment and minimal resistance as they glide from key to key. Its balanced sound profile positions it as the ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

HMX FJ400 Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX FJ400, one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing compositions. The Blue Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPE), which is touted for providing a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the FJ400 utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and more muted. The contrast in these materials suggests that while both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience, the Blue Lotus may excel in tactile feedback and premium aesthetics, whereas the FJ400 prioritizes a quieter, yet still rich auditory signature.

On the other hand, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX FJ400 share a commonality in their bottom housing material—nylon. This choice of material is a classic in switch construction due to its acoustic properties. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more fulfilling sound profile, as it absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. As both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, they are likely to deliver a similarly rich auditory experience, especially noticeable when bottoming out the switch. This characteristic ensures that users of either switch can enjoy a fuller sound, maintaining a consistent auditory output during usage.

Overall, the differences in top housing materials contrast the tactile and auditory experiences offered by the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX FJ400. While the Blue Lotus may provide a more premium feel topped with a defined sound signature, the FJ400's POM top housing reassures users of a distinctive, albeit muted auditory experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that regardless of the top housing material, both switches will yield a pleasing sound profile upon bottoming out. Therefore, users can expect a gratifying typing sound across both models, despite the distinctions in their respective top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the FJ400 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the FJ400. For users who favor longer typing sessions or more dexterous gaming, the lighter FJ400 may provide a more comfortable experience. Conversely, those who appreciate a heavier push feel may prefer the Blue Lotus for its robust and substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches can cater to different user preferences, the FJ400 is the lighter option, while the Blue Lotus offers a heavier touch.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the FJ400 measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the Blue Lotus would be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance, which can cater to gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, the FJ400's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress, providing a sense of depth that some find more satisfying. Overall, while the difference in travel distance is minimal, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and responsiveness during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out with its deep, bassy qualities, delivering a rich auditory experience during key presses. This sound is characterized by lower frequencies, which can create a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate when engaging with their keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400's sound characteristics remain unspecified, leaving it unclear how this switch compares. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced can be highly influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap material, meaning that users may find that different configurations could yield varying sound experiences for both switches.

When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus is remarkable for its medium tactile response, embodying an accented profile that strikes a balanced middle ground, providing enough tactility without being overwhelming. Its snappy responsiveness, attributed to a combination of longer or dual-staged springs, ensures that each keystroke feels lively and engaging. Additionally, the stepped nature of the switch means that typists can expect a clear progression in the keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with pronounced feedback at different stages of the press. In contrast, the FJ400's tactile feel is not defined in the current information, thus leaving open the question of how it might match up in terms of tangible feedback or typing engagement.

In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a rich sound accompanied by a well-balanced tactile experience that many users will find appealing, thanks to its snappiness and stepped characteristics. While the sound of the FJ400 is undetermined, its balanced sound profile suggests a more neutral auditory experience. The tactile feel of the FJ400 remains unspecified, creating a gap in direct comparison. Ultimately, whichever switch is chosen will depend on personal preference, particularly with regard to auditory and tactile qualities, but the Blue Lotus undeniably provides a vivid and responsive typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios will heavily influence your choice. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a noticeable bump with each keystroke, the Blue Lotus is your ideal option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, combined with its snappy responsiveness and prominent tactile feel, makes it perfect for typists and gamers who appreciate a pronounced interaction with their keyboard. Additionally, its deeper, bassy sound profile enhances the auditory experience, making typing feel more satisfying, especially in an environment where sound matters. On the other hand, if you prefer smoother, uninterrupted keystrokes or if your work involves extensive typing without the need for tactile feedback, the HMX FJ400 would likely suit you better. With a lower actuation force of 58 grams, its gentle, responsive nature allows for a quieter and more fluid typing experience, ideal for long hours of use or when you want to minimize noise. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether it be tactile and immersive or smooth and silent.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more