Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, the choice of switches can dramatically alter the typing experience, and two notable contenders in this realm are the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Blue Lotus switches are celebrated for their tactile intensity, boasting a distinctive snappy response that enhances typing accuracy. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a visually striking design complemented by RGB lighting, they appeal to those who thrive on an engaging and dynamic keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switches prioritize a serene typing experience, characterized by their whisper-quiet operation and a balanced 53g bottom-out force. Ideal for typists who prefer a smooth, linear feel without disruptive noise, the Silent Sakura switches provide a satisfying yet subdued performance. While the Blue Lotus caters to users seeking tactile feedback and vibrant aesthetics, the Silent Sakura is perfect for those valuing quiet and fluid typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches showcase contrasting top housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which aims to deliver a unique and premium feel. This blend combines the qualities of polycarbonate and UPE, resulting in a switch that provides a balance of durability and smoothness during typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer composition. This material allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile that is warmer and more muted, enhancing the overall typing experience with a richer auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback, the aesthetic and acoustic outcomes diverge due to the inherent properties of their respective top housing materials.
Both switches have nylon as their bottom housing, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and rounder sound profile. This shared feature ensures that users of both the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g will experience a similar level of sound dampening when pressing down on the keys. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a plush sensation during each key press. This characteristic remains consistent across the two switches, reinforcing the overall auditory experience despite the differences present in their top housing materials. The shared nylon bottom housing effectively balances the acoustic properties, allowing for a seamless transition in typing sound from both switches.
However, the contrasting bottom housings of the Blue Lotus and the Silent Sakura - 53g add further layers to their sonic profiles. The Blue Lotus boasts a nylon bottom housing, which ensures the overall tonal warmth is continued throughout the keystroke. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This key difference means that the bottom-out sound and feel will vary between the two switches, with the Blue Lotus offering a more rounded and subdued sound while the Silent Sakura produces clearer, more pronounced auditory feedback as the key bottoms out. These variances in material ultimately create unique typing experiences, even with a shared nylon component, highlighting the intricate relationship between switch housing materials and the resulting performance.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, we see distinct differences in their weight characteristics. The Blue Lotus is the heavier option, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out, which can provide a more substantial and satisfying feedback for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura is lighter, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, especially in work environments or during long gaming marathons, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. Therefore, users who seek a more tactile, heavier switch may lean towards the Blue Lotus, while those who value comfort and ease of use might prefer the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Durock Blue Lotus, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which could benefit gamers looking for quicker key presses. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper pressing experience that some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference: a preference for the shorter, more responsive Blue Lotus or the longer, fuller-feeling Silent Sakura.
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 Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus switches is characterized by a bassy tone, delivering a richer and deeper auditory experience during key presses. This sound is rooted in a lower frequency range that adds depth, making each keystroke feel substantial and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a notably different auditory experience, being designed for a whisper-quiet typing ambiance reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This makes the Sakura switches an ideal choice for environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum, which may appeal to office workers or night-time typists.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches present a medium tactile experience, combining accents without overwhelming the user. Their snappy nature enhances this experience, ensuring each keystroke feels quick and responsive, promoting an engaged typing session. The stepped design of the Blue Lotus also contributes to this complexity, providing dual stages during key presses that can make typing feel dynamic and alive. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g is not defined in available details but is generally appreciated for its light and satisfying keystroke, likely leaning towards a smooth experience due to its linear design, ideal for those who prioritize a seamless key press without additional tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to different typing preferences through their distinct sound and feel qualities. The Blue Lotus offers a rich, bassy sound and a snappy, tactile typing experience, making it well-suited for those who enjoy pronounced feedback and engagement, while the Silent Sakura provides a more subdued auditory experience paired with smoother keystrokes for quieter environments. Depending on your specific needs and environment, either switch could provide an enjoyable typing experience, but your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer tactile feedback or silent operation.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a tactile experience that provides a noticeable feedback with a medium-heavy resistance and a bit of acoustic depth, the Blue Lotus would be a fantastic fit for you. It offers a snappy feel with its accentuated bump and slightly reduced travel distance, making it ideal for both gaming and fast typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and prefer lighter keystrokes, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. Its balanced actuation force provides a satisfying experience without causing finger fatigue, perfect for long typing sessions or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek tactile engagement or a serene, smooth typing feel, allowing you to create a keyboard setup that best matches your needs and preferences.
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