Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Blue Lotus stands out with its tactile design, offering a pronounced tactile feedback that is enhanced by a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, making each keypress feel both snappy and satisfying. Its unique detachable light column not only elevates performance but also adds a visual flair through vibrant RGB illumination, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who seek both responsiveness and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) lures users with its linear switch characteristics, delivering a smooth uninterrupted keystroke that caters to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Built with a PA12 top housing and a POM stem, this switch achieves a delicate, crisp sound profile that emphasizes refined acoustics and steady performance, appealing to users who value subtlety and precision in their keystrokes. While both switches offer compelling benefits—tactile feedback for the Blue Lotus and linear smoothness for the Xinhai (Heavy)—it's essential to explore their distinctive features further to determine which switch aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) showcase a fascinating comparison in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified polycarbonate and UPE blend, yielding a sophisticated and premium tactile experience when typing. This blend offers a unique feel that distinguishes itself from traditional materials, providing durability while contributing a slightly higher-pitched sound profile compared to more conventional options. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a classic nylon top housing that is known for its softer characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. While the Lucex’s unique material reflects innovation, the Xinhai’s choice emphasizes reliability and warmth, demonstrating two different philosophies in switch design aimed at enhancing user experience.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share a noteworthy similarity: they utilize nylon for their construction. This commonality means that both switches will produce a more muted, rounded sound profile, an attribute inherent to the softer plastic material of nylon. This characteristic significantly influences the acoustic output and tactile sensation when keys are bottomed out. Given that the bottom housing typically dominates the sound and feel during this phase of actuation, users of either switch can expect a satisfying auditory experience, characterized by a dampened impact and a smoother overall feel.
The differing materials of the top housings and the shared nylon in the bottoms lead to compelling interactions regarding user experience. With the Blue Lotus employing a modified PC & UPE blend for its top housing, users can anticipate a notable impact on the release sound, contributing to a sharper auditory feedback when a key is released. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) retains its consistent soft sound profile throughout due to its all-nylon construction. As a result, while both switches ultimately deliver a pleasing typing experience with similar acoustic qualities in terms of bottoming out, the Blue Lotus may present a slightly brighter sound upon key release, offering a unique touch within the broader context of user preferences in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 55 grams, providing a similar tactile experience when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Blue Lotus requiring 65 grams to bottom out compared to the Xinhai's 62.5 grams. This means that while both switches have an identical initial actuation feel, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly heavier overall experience due to its greater bottom out force. For users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Blue Lotus will feel heavier, while those who lean towards lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions may find the HMX Xinhai to be more comfortable. Overall, if someone is seeking a balance between actuation and bottom out feel, they might opt for the Xinhai for a slightly lighter overall effort, but both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing the Blue Lotus switch, users will experience a bit more depth compared to the more abrupt feel of the Xinhai switch, making the Blue Lotus the preferred option for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness in their typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether one favors the slightly deeper feel of the Blue Lotus or the quicker actuation of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 stands out with its bassy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This low-frequency resonance adds an immersive depth to each keystroke, which many users find appealing. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch remain unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's important to note that sound is influenced not only by the switch itself but also by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch offers a unique tactile experience characterized by its medium tactile feedback and snappy response. Users will appreciate the accented nature of the switch, which provides a notable tactile bump that is distinct yet not overwhelming. The snappy feel, attributed to its slightly shorter travel distance and possibly longer springs, lends a lively typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped design allows for a more refined tactile journey, featuring subtle pre-travel and post-travel sensations. The tactile feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unspecified, which leaves a gap in knowledge for those seeking a similar or contrasting tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is celebrated for its bassy sound and engaging tactile feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch presents an unknown in terms of its sound and tactile feedback. If sound is a crucial element to your typing experience, the Blue Lotus switch will certainly deliver a rich auditory profile, while the Xinhai switch might require further exploration to understand its characteristics. For tactile enjoyment, the Blue Lotus provides a well-rounded and dynamic experience that may appeal to users who appreciate a responsive and satisfying keystroke. If sound and feel are primary factors in your selection, you might lean toward the Blue Lotus, as it provides a clear sense of what to expect.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use cases. If you appreciate a tactile feel that provides a notable feedback during your keystrokes, and if you find joy in the lush, bassy sound profile these switches produce, the Blue Lotus is your ideal choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams ensures that every keystroke delivers satisfying resistance and snappiness, making it perfect for typists who favor a more engaged typing experience, whether for typing out essays or executing intricate commands in gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, with its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, could be more suited to your needs. The unique materials used in its construction provide a subtle sophistication and a crisper sound that many users appreciate, particularly for gaming or long typing sessions where prolonged comfort and consistent performance are the priority. Ultimately, choosing between these two involves weighing your desire for tactile feedback against your preference for a linear, quieter operation—both can enhance your keyboard experience, but your specific needs will guide the best choice for you.
Mentioned in this article
