Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct experiences catered to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback and snappy actuation, featuring a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that delivers both responsiveness and a compelling tactile sensation. This makes it an excellent choice for users who savor a physical bump with each keystroke, enhancing typing precision and engagement. The added flair of its detachable light column also ensures a visually stunning RGB display, appealing to gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, known for its smoother and lighter feel, embodies a linear switch experience that prioritizes a fluid typing motion devoid of tactile interruptions. With its silky, polished response and clacky, bouncy characteristics, the Lucky appeals to those seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or play. While both switches offer unique benefits—whether it's the tactile feedback of the Blue Lotus or the smoothness of the Lucky—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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Lucky switches, the housing materials reveal both similarities and distinctions that can influence the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a top housing made from a modified polycarbonate (PC) and urethane elastomer (UPE) blend, while the Lucky switch utilizes a more traditional nylon top housing. The unique blend of PC and UPE used in the Blue Lotus aims to provide a premium feel and perhaps a slightly brighter sound profile due to its harder composition. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Lucky has been well-regarded for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, due to its softer nature that absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience.
Both switches share a common ground in their bottom housing materials, as both the Blue Lotus and the Lucky utilize standard nylon for this component. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent typing experience, as both switches will exhibit the same characteristics: a duller sound and a satisfying bottom-out sensation. This shared material means that users will likely experience similar acoustic qualities when bottoming out the switches, regardless of the primary differences in the top housing materials.
The contrast in the upper housings indicates that a user's experience with each switch may significantly differ. With the Blue Lotus's modified blend aiming for a premium tactile feel and sound, users may appreciate a snappier response when releasing a key. In contrast, the HMX Lucky's nylon top housing will lean towards a softer, mellower auditory experience, particularly notable when letting go of the keys. Thus, while both switches exhibit similar acoustic qualities overall due to their matching bottom housings, the top housings' differences will ultimately influence the overall performance and satisfaction perceived by the user during their typing sessions.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences for typing experiences. The Blue Lotus features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, requiring more effort to activate, while its bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating a substantial press needed to reach the full travel distance. In contrast, the Lucky switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter weight makes the Lucky more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as users can avoid fatigue more easily. Thus, while the Blue Lotus delivers a more robust typing experience due to its heavier force requirements, the HMX Lucky offers a softer touch that appeals to those who prefer less resistance. For users seeking a balance of effort and tactile feedback, the heavy Blue Lotus may be more satisfying; however, for those valuing lighter action, the Lucky switch is the clear choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Lucky has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Blue Lotus the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience which may be appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Lucky's longer travel might be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, as it offers a deeper engagement with each keystroke. Both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, so users can expect similar overall performance, though the difference could influence individual preferences between responsiveness and depth.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out with its bassy profile, delivering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This depth can create a satisfying, immersive typing atmosphere, particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch produces a clacky sound characterized by sharp, crisp notes that feel lively and responsive. This sharpness adds a unique bright and percussive dimension to typing, making it feel energetic and engaging. The overall sound experience will vary based on the board and keycaps used, but the fundamental signatures of each switch remain distinct.
When considering feel, the Blue Lotus is notable for its accented tactile feedback, offering a balanced medium level of tactility that ensures each key press is felt without being overpowering. It features a stepped design, giving you the sensation of two distinct stages throughout the keystroke, enhancing the typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Lucky switch is described as bouncy, delivering an elastic feedback sensation that feels lively with every press. Furthermore, its silky and polished characteristics ensure a smooth and refined typing experience, significantly minimizing resistance for a fluid feel. While both switches provide unique tactile experiences, their contrasts cater to different preferences in typing dynamics.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Lucky switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience, with the former leaning towards a deep, bassy sound coupled with a pronounced tactile feel, while the latter offers a sharp, clacky auditory profile along with a smooth, bouncy typing sensation. Whether you prefer the tactile, stepped sensation of the Blue Lotus or the silky, playful responsiveness of the Lucky, both switches promise an engaging typing adventure, catering to different user preferences and styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a noticeable bump and a satisfying actuation force, the Blue Lotus is the ideal choice, especially for typing-heavy tasks or gaming where precision is valued. Its medium-heavy feel and bassy sound profile will appeal to those who appreciate a richer auditory experience and a more engaging typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter and smoother keystroke for extended typing sessions or casual use, the HMX Lucky switch might be your best bet. Its lighter actuation force, along with a bouncy and silky feel, provides effortless typing, making it well-suited for those who write a lot or simply prefer a more laid-back approach. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you seek tactile feedback and auditory depth or a lighter, smoother action that enhances comfort and efficiency.
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