Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the tactile feedback of a switch against the smoothness of a linear option. Durock's Blue Lotus tactile switch showcases a captivating tactile intensity, driven by its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, which lends itself to snappy responsiveness that many typists and gamers may appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, with its extended 3.85mm travel, provides a quieter experience, allowing for uninterrupted typing sessions while still delivering the signature clacky sound HMX switches are renowned for. The Blue Lotus’s engaging tactile feedback and striking RGB illumination appeal to those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, while the Twilight's smoother actuation favors users who prefer a more fluid keystroke without distraction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Twilight switches represent two distinct approaches to housing materials, with varied implications for sound and feel. The Blue Lotus employs a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, a feature that provides a unique and premium tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the Twilight opts for a nylon top housing, an established choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in materials results in a notable variation in the auditory feedback each switch provides: while the Blue Lotus's composite materials may yield a crisper sound, the Twilight's nylon top housing promotes a rounder and more subdued acoustic signature.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, bringing a sense of cohesion in terms of sound performance. The nylon bottom housings in both switches play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience; they absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a good balance of deep and rich auditory feedback. Because both the Blue Lotus and the Twilight use nylon in their bottom housings, typists can expect a similar depth to the keystrokes regardless of the top housing material, reinforcing the notion that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, while the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Twilight differ in their top housing materials—with the Blue Lotus offering a modified PC and UPE blend and the Twilight opting for a classic nylon—both switches share nylon for their bottom housing. As a result, users will find that despite the differences in upper housing composition, the overall acoustics and tactile experience will converge at the bottom, thanks to the similarities in material. This leads to a coherent typing experience that marries the unique qualities of each top housing while maintaining a certain level of familiarity and sound depth intrinsic to the nylon bottom.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. 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 enjoy a substantial typing experience with a more pronounced resistance. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, the Twilight is the lighter option, while the Blue Lotus is the heavier one, reflecting their varying user preferences—lighter switches are often favored for long periods of use, while heavier switches provide a more tactile and engaging feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Durock Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Twilight features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Blue Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, likely favored by those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences for switch responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 switch leans towards a bassy quality, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience upon key presses. This characteristic creates a satisfying resonance that enhances the typing experience, making it feel robust and substantial. The sound can evoke a sense of depth akin to bass tones in music, contributing to a more immersive keystroke experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed to offer a slightly quieter operation, attributed to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm. The Twilight may produce a sound that is less pronounced, prioritizing a more subdued auditory feedback, but the specifics of its sound profile remain less defined.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are characterized by their accented tactile feedback, providing a medium tactile sensation that strikes an ideal balance. This gives users a prominent yet not overwhelming response, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience that feels engaged without being overwhelming. The snappiness of the Blue Lotus contributes to its responsiveness, making every key press feel lively thanks to its shorter travel distance and specially designed springs. The stepped tactile nature also adds a nuanced complexity, allowing typists to engage with different stages of the keystroke, enhancing overall tactile pleasure. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch lacks detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feedback, leaving the specific characteristics of its feel uncertain.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Twilight switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to varying preferences. The Blue Lotus stands out with its bassy sound and pronounced tactile feedback, ideal for users seeking a lively typing experience. In contrast, although the Twilight provides a quieter operation with its extended travel, the lack of specifics regarding its feel leaves some uncertainties. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, with the Blue Lotus offering a more defined sensory profile while the Twilight caters to those who prefer a linear, quieter experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you find satisfaction in tactile feedback and a noticeable response with every keystroke, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams and its snappy responsiveness make it ideal for typing and gaming, allowing you to feel the switch's tactile bump without being overwhelmed. The deeper, bassy sound further enhances the auditory experience, making it a great fit for a more immersive typing environment, especially if you enjoy vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and quieter keypresses, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed for a smooth, uninterrupted flow during your typing sessions. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams and an extended travel of 3.85mm, the Twilight caters to those who favor a more fluid and less tactile experience, making it perfect for both fast-paced gaming and lengthy writing tasks where comfort and speed are paramount. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how much you value tactile feedback versus smooth actuation, as both switches have their own unique strengths tailored to different user experiences.
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