HMX Cheese vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Durock White Lotus offer unique features and characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch known for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light feel, providing a satisfying clacky sound signature that is lighter than most switches. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for those who prefer a delicate tactility and balance, making it perfect for work and long typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches allow for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your setup. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics will ultimately help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock White Lotus both feature nylon as their top housing material. Nylon is known for producing a deep and full sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a premium feel with their nylon top housing, although the Durock White Lotus also incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend for added uniqueness.
In terms of bottom housing material, the HMX Cheese and the Durock White Lotus both utilize nylon. Similar to the top housing, nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a smoother bottom-out sound and feel. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience that emphasizes the qualities of this particular material.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the unique blend of PC and UPE in the Durock White Lotus's top housing sets it apart from the HMX Cheese. This modified blend offers a premium feel that enhances the typing experience, making the White Lotus stand out for those seeking a switch with a distinct sound and feel. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing provides a dependable and reliable typing experience without the added complexity of different housing materials. Whether opting for the premium feel of the White Lotus or the classic sound profile of the Cheese, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the White Lotus is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Cheese offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. In contrast, the White Lotus provides a bit more resistance, giving users a slightly more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, providing a quicker response time that is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, giving a more satisfying depth to the keypress. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences; those seeking speed might opt for the Cheese switch, while those looking for a more pronounced keypress might prefer the White Lotus switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing style and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
The Durock White 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 White Lotus for $4.57.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch boasts a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, making it ideal for long typing sessions without being overwhelming. The White Lotus switches also offer the added bonus of a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall typing experience with a mesmerizing radiance.
When it comes to sound, the Cheese switch is known for its unique characteristics, while the White Lotus switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. The Cheese switch provides a specific sound profile that stands out, giving users a distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched tone that is more mellow and bass-heavy, making it a great option for those seeking a calming sound during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch's tactile feedback is not explicitly described, while the Durock White Lotus switch is known for being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. The White Lotus switch provides a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Its mild and subtle characteristics offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. While the Cheese switch provides a unique sound signature and a smooth typing experience, the White Lotus switch stands out for its low-pitched tone and gentle tactility. Both switches excel in different aspects, catering to the preferences of individuals seeking a specific sound profile or typing feel. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, as both are designed to enhance overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light typing experience with a smooth and clacky sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a delicate tactility with a balanced feel and the added bonus of customizable RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus switch could be the ideal option for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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