Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you're presented with two unique options to consider for your mechanical keyboard. The Blue Lotus offers a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Xinhai provides a softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp resonance, perfect for a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel and a unique touch, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. Despite their differences, both materials offer a high-quality feel and sound output that will satisfy keyboard enthusiasts looking for a top-tier typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the Xinhai feature nylon bottom housings that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience on both switches. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience across both switches, regardless of their individual housing materials.
In terms of overall design and functionality, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Xinhai play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of each switch. While the Blue Lotus combines a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing with a nylon bottom housing, the Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a premium typing experience that is characterized by a unique sound profile and a high-quality feel. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches deliver exceptional performance that will enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, while the Xinhai only needs 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. This makes the Xinhai lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be a better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of keypress responsiveness.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, adding a satisfying auditory experience to the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch produces a sharp and clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, enhancing the overall typing experience with its distinct acoustics. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on the user's individual sound preferences and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feedback, offering users a medium tactile experience with a noticeable but not overwhelming bump. This ensures a responsive typing experience that feels alive and dynamic. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. These different tactile qualities cater to varying typing styles and preferences, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their individual preferences.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch and the HMX Xinhai switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a choice between a bassy, accented tactile experience with vibrant RGB illumination or a clacky, bouncy typing experience with a softer acoustics profile. Both switches excel in their respective areas, ensuring a high level of performance and user satisfaction. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on the user's personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics. However, regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that delivers an exceptional typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, accentuated tactile feedback, and snappy responsiveness, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a softer acoustics profile, precise performance, and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Xinhai could be more suited to your typing style. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your mechanical keyboard preferences.
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