Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often come to the fore: the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Macchiato, each catering to distinct preferences in tactile feedback and sound profiles. The Blue Lotus switches are renowned for their pronounced tactile bump and quick actuation, featuring a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that promises both intensity and responsiveness, making them ideal for users who revel in a lively typing experience. In addition to their engaging feel, these switches also offer striking aesthetic appeal with a detachable light column, enhancing any setup with vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato excels in delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a more fluid keypress without the interruption of tactile feedback. With a bright sound profile, the Macchiato creates an inviting auditory experience, perfect for users who enjoy a quieter but equally satisfying typing environment. As you consider your typing style and preferences, the choice between the tactile allure of the Blue Lotus and the silky smoothness of the Macchiato can significantly impact your enjoyment and productivity. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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 Macchiato switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing material, while sharing similarities in their bottom housing construction. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high performance engineering plastic) blend for its top housing, creating a premium feel that potentially enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Macchiato features a traditional nylon top housing, known for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer composition. Thus, the key distinction lies in the texture and acoustic characteristics of the top housings, which can greatly influence the tactile response and overall sound emitted during typing.
However, both switches are equipped with nylon bottom housings, leading to a significant uniformity in how they perform acoustically. The nylon material in both the Blue Lotus and the Macchiato contributes to a deeper sound profile, as it effectively dampens vibrations and absorbs noise. Therefore, while users may experience different sensations and sounds based on the top housing material when pressing the keys, the bottom housing’s shared nylon composition means that both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience upon bottoming out. This shared aspect of their design provides a cohesive acoustic quality to each switch.
In practice, the differences in the top housings create a nuanced typing experience, as the modified PC & UPE blend of the Blue Lotus may result in a crisper feel compared to the softer nylon top of the Macchiato. Although the tactile and auditory feedback may vary during key presses and releases due to the distinct materials, both switches will exhibit a robust and enveloped sound signature upon bottoming out thanks to their identical nylon bottoms. Consequently, users seeking a blend of tactile feedback and fullness in sound will find that while the switches differ in their upper housing characteristics, the overall performance can still yield satisfying results rooted in their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Macchiato's actuation force is lighter at 42 grams, with a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Blue Lotus requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out, appealing to users who favor a firmer touch, while the Macchiato is better suited for individuals seeking a lighter feel. Overall, the Blue Lotus is the heavier switch, while the Macchiato is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, the Durock Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Macchiato has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Blue Lotus the shorter option, which may cater to those who appreciate a more responsive typing experience, often favored by gamers for its quicker actuation. In contrast, the Macchiato, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper feel that some users might prefer for its more deliberate tactile feedback. Thus, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a shorter, snappier actuation or a more substantial, hearty depth in your key presses.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a rich, bassy quality that produces a deeper and more resonant tone during key presses. This sound profile adds a satisfying auditory experience while typing, often enhancing the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switch's sound attributes are currently unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it’s important to remember that the acoustics of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard frame and keycap material, so the overall sound experience may differ depending on the specific setup.
Regarding feel, the Blue Lotus switch excels with its combination of tactility and responsiveness. It features accented tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being neither overwhelming nor underwhelming, which can greatly enhance typing precision. Its snappy nature allows for quick actuation, likely attributed to its unique spring design, leading to a more dynamic typing experience. Additionally, the stepped tactile feel of the Blue Lotus switch gives it a clear distinction between different stages of the keystroke, making it engaging for users who appreciate nuanced feedback. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the HMX Macchiato switch remain undisclosed, leaving an empty space where users might typically seek smoothness or other tactile qualities that define a linear switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is well-regarded for its bassy sound and tactility, featuring a design that emphasizes a responsive and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Macchiato's sound and feel attributes are currently unknown, which leaves uncertainty for those evaluating it against the Blue Lotus. Users can expect that each switch will provide a unique experience, and those drawn to the tactile nature of the Blue Lotus may find it hard to visualize the Macchiato's performance until more information is available. Regardless of the choice, the joy of mechanical keyboards lies in discovering the nuances of each switch firsthand.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use case. If you are someone who enjoys a tactile typing experience that provides a significant degree of feedback, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and an engaging tactile bump, these switches will not only enhance your typing speed due to their snappiness but also offer a satisfying sound profile thanks to their deep, bassy acoustics. This makes them well-suited for both gaming and typing scenarios where you appreciate a pronounced tactile feel without being overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter experience, or if you find yourself typing for long periods, the HMX Macchiato switch may be more to your liking. With a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, these switches provide a silky smooth keystroke that's gentle on your fingers, making them ideal for extensive typing sessions or casual use. Ultimately, the Blue Lotus caters to those who thrive on tactile feedback and robust acoustics, while the Macchiato is perfect for users who seek a more subdued and fluid typing experience.
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