Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch renowned for its striking blend of tactile intensity and responsive actuation, boasting a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that enhances its snappy feel. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response while typing and gaming, along with the added aesthetic of vibrant RGB illumination thanks to its detachable light column. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, enabling rapid-fire inputs with remarkable ease. Its smooth push feel and bright, clacky sound profile make it a favorite for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Both switches cater to specific preferences: the tactile satisfaction of the Blue Lotus vs. the swift responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize differing materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their tactile experiences. The Blue Lotus is crafted with a modified PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) blend, resulting in a premium and unique feel that extends the aesthetics and functionality of the switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a classic nylon material for its top housing, which, while traditional, offers a distinctly softer sensation. This softness leads to a unique typing experience characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to the sharper clarity of the Blue Lotus. As such, users seeking a modern, premium feel may prefer the Durock, while those leaning towards a more classic tactile experience might find comfort in the Vintage Citrus.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a fundamental similarity emerges. Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that when users press down on the switches, they will experience a notable richness and depth to the sound and feel, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb vibrations effectively. This absorption results in a rounder and more muted acoustical output, enabling a satisfying key press regardless of the stylings seen at the top of the switch. Consequently, while the top housing materials diverge, the uniformity in the bottom housing helps maintain an overall cohesive tactile experience across both switch models.
Ultimately, users of either the Durock Blue Lotus or the HMX Vintage Citrus can expect a similar underlying acoustic profile from the nylon material present in the bottom housing. Although the top housings create a distinct contrast—in feel, texture, and sound—the consistent use of nylon below reinforces the overall auditory experience while typing. The contrasting characteristics of the top materials play a crucial role in defining the unique identities of the switches; yet, they are unified in their warm, resonant sound stemming from their shared bottom housing composition. This blend of uniqueness and similarity allows keyboard enthusiasts to select switches based on personal preference while still appreciating the fundamental qualities that both models offer.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varied preferences among users. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light, suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming due to its reduced resistance. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch and potentially less fatigue during extended use would likely lean towards the Vintage Citrus, whereas those preferring a heftier tactile feedback might choose the Blue Lotus. Thus, by these measures, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, and the Blue Lotus is the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that when pressed, the Blue Lotus will provide a sensation of more depth due to its longer travel distance, which some users may find preferable for a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who seek quicker response times, making it particularly appealing for gamers who thrive on rapid key presses. If you favor responsiveness and prefer a quicker actuation, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper, more tactile feel, the Blue Lotus would suit your preferences.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 considering the sound profile, the Durock Blue Lotus switch produces a bassy tone, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This quality can create a pleasing auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, especially when coupled with the right keyboard and keycap choices. The sound is characterized by lower frequencies that resonate on pressing the key, which many users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch lacks a specific sound descriptor, leaving its acoustic properties relatively unknown. However, the assumption can be made that its intended design for rapid input may result in a distinctly different auditory experience, likely leaning towards a crisp and bright sound profile that aligns with its purpose for gamers.
Delving into the feel, the Blue Lotus switch shines with its 'Accented' tactile feedback that strikes a balance between stimulation and comfort. It provides a notable tactile response without being overly aggressive, making it suitable for longer typing sessions. The 'Snappy' characteristic adds to its allure, providing a lively responsiveness that elevates the typing experience and enhances accuracy. The inclusion of a 'Stepped' tactile sensation ensures that users can feel the key's operation distinctly, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a more dynamic interaction with their switches. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, which likely contributes to an exceptionally smooth push feel. Unfortunately, there are no detailed descriptions of its tactile characteristics available, leaving its exact feel somewhat of a mystery in comparison.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer unique experiences, tailored to different user preferences. The Blue Lotus is excellent for those who cherish tactile feedback combined with a rich sound profile, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus promises quick actuation and a smooth experience, catering specifically to the gaming community, although its sound and tactile properties remain less defined. Ultimately, if users are looking for comparison, the Blue Lotus provides a tactile richness and auditory depth, while the Vintage Citrus is poised for speed and efficiency, reflecting distinct approaches to keyboard design catering to varied preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming needs. If you appreciate an engaging tactile experience with a pronounced bump that enhances your typing rhythm, the Blue Lotus would likely be your best option. Its medium-heavy actuation force and snappy responsiveness are perfect for those who enjoy feeling the feedback with each keystroke, making it suitable for both typing and moderate gaming. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who values speed and quick inputs, the Vintage Citrus is designed with you in mind. Its low actuation force and rapid responsiveness allow for fast, effortless key presses, perfect for high-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the Vintage Citrus offers a smooth push feel that can enhance your overall experience during extended gameplay. So, when choosing between the two, think about whether you want those tactile feedback cues that keep you engaged in your typing or the light, fluid movement that allows for rapid actions in gaming. Each switch has its unique benefits tailored to different preferences, so your choice will ultimately reflect your personal typing style and gaming habits.
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