Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Gravel

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Gravel switches offer two distinct approaches to keystrokes. The Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback and snappiness, achieving an actuation point with just 3.7mm of travel—a slight reduction that appeals to those who desire a more immediate response during typing. Its elegant design is complemented by a detachable light column, enabling vibrant RGB illumination that adds a captivating aesthetic to any setup. In contrast, the HMX Gravel, characterized as a linear switch, provides a smooth and seamless typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it allows for effortless keystrokes that glide quietly, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience without tactile interruptions. While the Blue Lotus offers a unique tactile sensation combined with eye-catching aesthetics, the Gravel excels in smoothness and comfort for extended typing sessions. 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 Gravel Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Gravel, we can observe distinct differences in their top housing compositions. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for the top housing, which is designed to provide a unique and premium feel. This material is likely engineered to enhance the tactile experience and improve durability. In contrast, the Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its greater stiffness compared to the Blue Lotus's top housing translates into a more resonant audio experience, particularly effective in RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches serve the common goal of functional and aesthetic performance, they do so through different material properties that contribute distinctively to sound and feel.

In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the HMX Gravel utilize nylon, a classic choice celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller audio profile. This shared characteristic allows both switches to give users a rounder sound when bottoming out. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, the nylon bottom in both switches provides a consistent auditory experience that features richer sound quality. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that even though the top housings contribute to differing auditory effects, the foundational acoustics produced by the nylon construction remain closely aligned.

The differences in top housing materials imply a division of sonic responsibilities between the two switches. The Blue Lotus, with its modified PC and UPE blend, may emphasize a softer tactile response and a nuanced sound when releasing keys, while the HMX Gravel's polycarbonate top presents a more pronounced sound resolution on release, generating a lively and sharper character. However, thanks to the nylon bottom housing in both switches, the overall sound profile maintains a consistent depth. Ultimately, despite their variations, users can expect a warm and engaging typing experience from both switches, enhanced by their complementary bottom housing, ensuring vibration and sound absorption through shared nylon materials.

Weight

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch present distinct characteristics when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Gravel boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who favor ease of keystroke and endurance during long typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Blue Lotus is the heavier option, while the Gravel is the lighter one. Thus, users seeking a heavier switch for a more pronounced feedback should opt for the Blue Lotus, whereas those looking for a softer touch would find the Gravel more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, there is a notable difference to consider. The Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gravel comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Gravel the option for those who favor quicker key presses, aligning with the trend towards shorter travel distances that many gamers prefer for enhanced responsiveness. Conversely, the Blue Lotus, with its greater travel distance, provides a more pronounced key feel, which can be more satisfying and less abrupt for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches produce a rich and bassy tone that resonates deeply during each key press. This lower frequency characteristic offers a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, creating an immersive environment for users. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switches do not have a specified sound profile, but it’s important to keep in mind that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard, switches, and keycaps used. As such, while the Blue Lotus delivers a distinct acoustic presence, the Gravel may offer a quieter performance, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more subdued typing sound.

In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches shine with a unique combination of tactile qualities. They are accented, offering a medium-level of tactility that adds a pronounced "bump" during key presses without overwhelming the user. Their snappy responsiveness is notable, making each keystroke feel lively and precise, while the stepped nature of the switches provides a smooth transition through the actuation with a clear demarcation in the keystroke. This makes them particularly enticing for typists who enjoy a bit of a tactile kick as they type. The HMX Gravel switches, although not explicitly detailed in terms of feel, are known for their exceptional smoothness and effortless actuation, leaning towards a lighter spring force that promotes a seamless typing experience, potentially suitable for those who prioritize fluidity over tactile feedback.

In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Gravel switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Blue Lotus offers a rich sound profile and a varied tactile experience with its notable snappiness and distinct feel, appealing to users who seek a more engaging typing experience. The Gravel, while lacking specific sound descriptions, emphasizes smoothness and ease, which could meet the desires of those who prefer lighter, linear switches. Ultimately, a user’s choice will depend on their specific requirements for sound and typing dynamics, as well as the synergy with their keyboard assembly.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper auditory experience, then the Blue Lotus is likely your best bet. Its heavier 65g actuation force paired with a snappy and responsive feel will enhance your typing experience, making each keystroke feel distinct and engaging. This switch is ideal for both typing-intensive tasks and gaming, where tactile feedback can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the HMX Gravel is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of just 50g and an emphasis on smooth actuation, this switch is tailored for those who enjoy prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. It’s especially well-suited for writing and casual gaming, providing a soft and effortless touch that allows for fluid transitions between keys. In summary, your decision should align with whether you value tactile feedback or a smooth, lighter feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more