Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the HMX Swift, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are praised for their unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them perfect for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches not only offer excellent performance but also captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switches are known for their deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to their full nylon housings. With a delicate 42g actuation force, the Swift switches provide a clacky yet easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Swift both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a premium and distinct feel to the switches. In contrast, the Swift incorporates a nylon top housing which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials contribute to the sound of the switches, the Nylon top housing of the Swift may provide a slightly more rounded and dulled sound compared to the premium feel of the PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Blue Lotus.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which is known for its ability to enhance the sound profile of switches. The softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing on the switches. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, the impact of the housing material will be felt differently depending on whether you are bottoming-out a key or releasing it. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus and HMX Swift both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the typing experience, they also share similarities in the use of nylon for their bottom housings. The differences in the top housing materials - the premium feel of the modified PC and UPE Blend in the Blue Lotus versus the deeper and fuller sound profile of the nylon in the Swift - showcase how housing materials can influence the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Swift offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Swift requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Blue Lotus. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Swift, as it allows for longer typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Swift has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. The Blue Lotus may offer a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Swift's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Blue Lotus providing a shorter travel distance for speed and the Swift offering a longer distance for a more significant tactile experience.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 offers a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch has a clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive noise when typing. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound, as well as other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. It offers a responsive typing experience with a tactile bump that is distinct yet not too harsh. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a lighter and more effortless typing feel, you can choose between the two switches accordingly.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch excels in tactile intensity and snappiness, with a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smooth actuation feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider factors like sound, feel, and aesthetics when making your decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the Blue Lotus or Swift switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a tactile and responsive feel with a slightly heavier actuation force and enjoy vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and light typing experience with a deeper sound profile and minimal resistance, the Swift switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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