Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Poro switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a pronounced bump with each keypress, making it ideal for typists who relish a sensory cue while they type. Its reduced travel distance of 3.7mm allows for quick and responsive keystrokes, while the detachable light column enhances the aesthetic appeal with vibrant RGB lighting. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switches shine with their silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for an effortless experience. Featuring a poppy and clacky sound profile along with an ultra-light actuation force, the Poro is perfect for gamers seeking a rapid and fluid performance without the tactile interruption. While both switches offer unique features that cater to varying user preferences, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience. However, 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
45g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Poro, we see a significant distinction in their top housing compositions. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) blend, which is designed to yield a unique and premium feel. This blend is likely to provide a somewhat firmer and more robust experience compared to the Poro’s nylon top housing. In contrast, nylon is a classic material for switch housings, valued for its softer characteristics that promote a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Blue Lotus aims for a premium touch and potentially a brighter auditory response, the Poro with its nylon top may create a warmer and more subdued sound when the keys are released.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Blue Lotus and Poro switches utilize nylon, which means they share similar acoustic characteristics in that regard. Both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, which enhances sound absorption and contributes to a duller, rounder sound profile. Consequently, when pressed, both switches will offer a consistent tactile experience and depth in sound due to the nylon bottom housing. This consistency in material means that both switches will exhibit a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a familiar typing experience while retaining their individual distinct characteristics as dictated by their top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials leads to unique performance traits in the Blue Lotus and Poro switches. While the top housing of the Blue Lotus contributes to a more premium and possibly firmer response, the nylon bottoms create shared acoustic qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Poro's consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom offers a more balanced and pleasant auditory signature. Thus, while users may find keypress sensations distinct due to their differing top housings, the shared nylon foundation ensures that they can expect a rich and layered sound profile in both cases, even if the tactile feedback slightly varies.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Blue Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Poro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. This significant difference means that while the Blue Lotus offers a more forceful feedback when pressing keys, the Poro allows for a more effortless keystroke, making it suitable for extended use without fatigue. Consequently, users seeking a heavier switch should lean toward the Blue Lotus, while those who value lightness might opt for the Poro. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the choice ultimately hinges on whether one favors a heavier tactile feel or a lighter typing action.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that whether you choose one switch over the other, you can expect a similar feel when pressing down on a key, as both switches will require the same distance to engage fully. As a result, both switches provide a consistent and equivalent tactile experience for users who prefer a specific 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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 switches produce a rich and deep bassy tone during key presses, which enhances the auditory feedback of typing. This low-frequency profile provides a satisfying sound experience for users who appreciate a more robust auditory presence with their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches have not been described as producing a specific sound profile, leaving their acoustic qualities largely unknown. However, the overall sound can greatly depend on the keyboard’s build and keycaps used, making it possible that with the right combination, the Poro could produce a pleasing sound of its own.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are characterized by their medium tactile profile, which strikes a balance between being overly aggressive and too subtle. Their accented feel provides noticeable feedback while the snappy response adds liveliness to the typing experience, thanks in part to their shorter actuation travel at 3.7mm. The stepped design further enhances the tactile sensation, allowing users to experience a distinct two-stage responsiveness as they register a key press. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Poro linear switches is described as silky smooth due to meticulous lubrication for effortless keystrokes. While the Poro lacks the tactile feedback present in the Blue Lotus, it aims for a smooth and fluid typing experience that many users prefer in linear switches.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches stand out for their deep, bassy sound profile and their medium to snappy tactile feel with a stepped response, making them ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and tactile intensity. The HMX Poro linear switches, while providing a smooth typing experience, do not have a specific sound profile and thus may not appeal to those seeking an audible component to their typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you prefer a tactile and sonorous experience, the Blue Lotus is likely the better option, whereas if you favor a smooth and effortless keypress, the Poro might be the switch for you.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific typing preferences and activities. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel with a satisfying "snappy" response, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice, particularly for typing and gaming scenarios where you want to feel each keypress distinctly. The medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams is ideal for users who prefer a firmer tactile feedback, which can enhance typing accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, its bassy sound profile adds an engaging auditory dimension to your experience, making it great for those who appreciate deeper, richer sounds when typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a lighter touch, the HMX Poro linear switch is designed for you. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, these switches provide a light and effortless typing experience, perfect for long periods of use where fatigue can be a concern. The silky glide and clacky sound profile make the Poro ideal for users who favor speed and fluidity in their keystrokes, whether for gaming or casual typing. Ultimately, both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so your choice will depend on whether you value tactility and feedback or smoothness and ease of use.
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