Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can fundamentally alter your typing experience, and two standout options are the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Perky. The Blue Lotus is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback, offering a satisfying "bump" on each keystroke that many users find enhances typing accuracy and enjoyment. Additionally, it features a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, providing quick responsiveness that is ideal for both typing and gaming, complemented by a detachable light column for stunning RGB visuals. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches emphasize a smoother, linear typing experience with a softer nylon housing that provides a neutral and deeply satisfying feel. These switches are designed for those who prefer a more seamless key press, resulting in a condensed typing experience due to their shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the tactile intensity of the Blue Lotus and the fluidity of the HMX Perky depends on personal preference and intended use; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Perky differ significantly in their top housing materials, which has a direct impact on their overall performance and sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing that is designed to provide a premium feel. This material is known for offering a firmer and more responsive typing experience, potentially enhancing the tactile feedback during use. The modification of polycarbonate and UPE (Unique Polymeric Esters) results in a unique blend that may provide greater durability and a more defined sound when typing. In contrast, the Perky utilizes a classic nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which translates into a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of nylon here allows for a more muted sound when the keys are released, creating a rounder auditory experience.
Both the Blue Lotus and the Perky share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This consistency means that regardless of the differing top materials, the bottom housing will significantly influence the feel and sound when pressed down. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall acoustic experience by absorbing sound, helping to produce a noise that is less sharp and more rounded. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches can offer a similar warmth to their sound profile when bottoming out, giving users a consistent auditory feedback that is satisfying and pleasant.
Despite their differences in top housing, both the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Perky can produce similar results in terms of sound and typing experience due to the identical material used for their bottom housings. When typing, the tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics will differ primarily due to the top housing material; the Blue Lotus will provide a more pronounced sound and feel due to its stiffer top, while the Perky will lean into a softer, slightly more subdued auditory feedback. However, both switches being made from nylon at the bottom allows for a harmonious balance of sounds and tactile feedback, ensuring that users can enjoy a fulfilling typing experience, even if the nuances of feel and sound profile vary.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in both 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. Conversely, the Perky switch offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch that enables longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, the Blue Lotus is the heavier option, while the Perky is lighter. This difference in weight significantly affects the typing experience: heavy switches can provide more tactile feedback and a firmer feel, which some users appreciate, while lighter switches can enhance comfort for extended use.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall typing experience significantly. If you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Perky switch's shorter travel distance may cater to your needs better, making it ideal for gamers who value speed. Conversely, if you prefer a more robust and deeper feel when pressing down on keys, the Blue Lotus's longer travel distance might provide the satisfying depth that suits your typing style. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value responsiveness or the tactile feedback associated with a longer travel distance.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 considering the sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus switch, it presents a deeper and richer auditory experience, characterized as "bassy." This lower frequency sound can enhance the typing experience by adding a layer of depth during key presses, often resonating well with users who appreciate a more substantial acoustic signature. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. However, one can expect that a linear switch may be quieter in sound compared to tactile options like the Blue Lotus, depending on individual keyboard and keycap configurations.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus stands out with a well-defined tactile experience. Described as accented, snappy, and stepped, it offers a satisfying level of tactility without being overwhelming, allowing for confident typing. The snappy nature adds to the switch's responsiveness, making every keystroke feel lively and engaging. The stepped design also adds a unique sensation, with a noticeable transition in the keystroke that can make typing more dynamic. The specifics of the HMX Perky's feel are currently unknown, which limits the ability to make a direct comparison; however, linear switches are generally smoother without the bump that tactile switches provide, which could cater to a different typing preference.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus switch presents a robust sound profile and a nuanced tactile experience that many users find appealing, the specifics of the HMX Perky linear switch remain uncertain, particularly regarding its sound and feel. Users seeking an engaging and marked tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus for its heavily defined characteristics, while those preferring a smoother and potentially quieter experience could find value in linear switches like the Perky. Ultimately, both switches may appeal to different types of users, delivering unique experiences according to their design philosophies.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch that offers a pronounced tactile feedback, a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, and a more dynamic sound profile that resonates with a deeper bass tone, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. It's ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with snappy responsiveness and visually appealing RGB illumination. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a more neutral and deeply satisfying feel, the Perky switch's 50 grams bottom-out force will cater to you well, especially if you appreciate a condensed typing experience with smooth key presses. The Perky’s softer nylon housing allows for a quieter operation without compromising on the overall satisfaction. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your desire for tactile feedback versus a smoother, linear experience, helping you create a setup that you truly enjoy typing on.
Mentioned in this article
