Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Blue Lotus, known for its tactile intensity and responsive nature, boasts a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, making each keystroke feel precise and engaging. Its unique design features a detachable light column, adding a vibrant glow for RGB enthusiasts, while its categorized attributes of 'Accented', 'Bassy', and 'Stepped' signify a pronounced tactile feedback that many typists and gamers love. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, presents a silky linear alternative characterized by its subtle top-out and satisfying clack. With its polished feel and excellent factory lubrication, this switch prioritizes smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, appealing to those who favor a more fluid typing experience. While the Blue Lotus excels in tactile feedback and visual flair, the Sunset Gleam emphasizes a seamless, enjoyable typing sensation. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 Sunset Gleam, we see a blend of similarities and differences that influence their performance and sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and urethane polymer elastomer (UPE) in its top housing, which promotes a unique and premium feel. This blend aims to create a tactile experience distinct from traditional materials, potentially affecting both the sound and actuation feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam utilizes pure polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Both switches benefit from their translucent housing, making them excellent choices for users looking to enhance RGB lighting effects.
The bottom housing of both switches consists of nylon, a classic material recognized for its sound dampening properties. This shared characteristic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches when keys are actuated. The nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a more muted and resonant typing experience. While the materials in the bottom housing are identical, the differing compositions in their top housings result in distinct auditory characteristics, with the Blue Lotus focusing on a unique blend for an elevated feel, while the Sunset Gleam emphasizes clarity and brightness in sound.
In terms of the overall keyboard experience, the combination of materials in each switch significantly influences the tactile feedback and acoustic properties. The Blue Lotus, with its modified PC and UPE top housing, offers a premium tactile sensation during typing, while its nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam's stiffer polycarbonate top housing adds a crispness to the sound, paired with the fullness from the nylon bottom housing. Although the nylon bottoms create similar auditory experiences, users will experience varied nuances in sound and feel when pressing keys, depending on the top housing's material. Those who appreciate the aesthetics of RGB lighting will find common ground in both switches, as the translucent housings allow for vibrant illumination, albeit with different auditory profiles.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more force to engage and bottom out compared to the Sunset Gleam, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam's lighter forces are ideal for those who value comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue over time. While both switches serve different preferences, the Blue Lotus's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a firmer feel, whereas the Sunset Gleam caters to a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Blue Lotus the longer switch, providing a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a hearty keystroke experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam may appeal more to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances typically facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for travel depth and responsiveness; opting for the Blue Lotus will yield a fuller keystroke feel, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a snappier touch.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 switch provides a deeper, more resonant auditory experience characterized by its bassy quality. This impactful sound profile gives a richer and more immersive feel during key presses, appealing to those who appreciate depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound that is resonant in nature. This creates an engaging and clear auditory signature that might be particularly satisfying for users who favor linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding the tonal quality of the sounds produced, with the Blue Lotus favoring deeper tones and the Sunset Gleam catering to a brighter auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Durock Blue Lotus is known for its accented and stepped nature, providing a tactile feedback that is noticeable yet not overwhelming. The switch features a pronounced bump that helps with key differentiation, making it suitable for typists who enjoy tactile sensation without excessive harshness. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam is noted for its polished, bouncy, and silky characteristics. This switch offers an exceptionally smooth experience, enhanced by effective factory lube, resulting in minimal friction and a lively feel due to its elasticity. The tactile sensations claimed by the Blue Lotus focus more on pronounced feedback, while the Sunset Gleam excels in smoothness and comfort, delivering a distinctly different feel during use.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Sunset Gleam switches cater to specific typing preferences that stem from their unique sound and feel qualities. The Blue Lotus stands out for its rich, bassy sound and medium tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who relish a tactile experience with depth. The Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, offers a polished, silky feel and a bright sound profile, appealing to users who favor smooth linear interactions. Each switch serves a different type of user, so one's satisfaction will ultimately derive from personal typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you appreciate a solid tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy the rich depth of sound that a bassy switch provides, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. Its slightly reduced travel enhances responsiveness, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where you want concrete feedback on each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother, more polished feel, the Sunset Gleam would be better suited for you. With its lower actuation force and silky-smooth travel, it caters to those who favor a soft, effortless typing experience, complemented by a higher-pitched, resonant sound. Consider your primary use case—whether it's long typing sessions, gaming, or a mix of both—along with what tactile sensations and auditory feedback enhance your overall experience. This thoughtful consideration will lead you to the switch that best meets your needs.
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