HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to a variety of options, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Take the HMX Deep Navy switch, for instance; known for its smooth linear feel and full nylon construction, it provides a rich and sharp sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who favor a seamless keystroke without tactile bumps, making it perfect for gaming and fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch caters to typists seeking a gentle tactile response without being overwhelming. Its exquisite light tactility and innovative design, featuring a removable light column, make it not only a joy to type on during long sessions but also visually striking with its captivating RGB lighting effects. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your 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
40g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy and Durock White Lotus switches, a significant distinction arises in their top housing materials. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its sound-dampening properties. This nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound due to its softer composition compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), which creates a unique and premium tactile experience. While both materials can provide satisfying auditory feedback, the nature of the sound profiles may differ, with the nylon top of the Deep Navy likely producing a rounder and more muted sound as opposed to the potentially sharper, crisper tones from the White Lotus’s blend, which may accentuate certain frequencies.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, reveal a commonality that could lead to similar performance outcomes. Both the Deep Navy and the White Lotus employ nylon for their bottom housing. This uniformity in materials means that users can expect a similar feel and response when bottoming out. The nylon construction in both models effectively absorbs sound and provides a smooth tactile feedback, thereby contributing to a fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Thus, regardless of the variability in the top housings, the familiar properties of nylon in the bottom housings offer a consistent degree of performance for both switches, particularly during the key press action.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials present distinct sound profiling opportunities for each switch, while the identical composition of the bottom housing assures users of a comparable experience with key actuation and feedback. As a result, each switch may cater to different preferences depending on whether the user prioritizes a muted, rounded sound profile or a sharper auditory experience, but they both benefit from the sound absorption qualities of nylon in the bottom housing. This shared material contributes to a cohesive feel during typing, highlighting how the two designs can cater to various preferences while maintaining core similarities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the White Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force at 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when they type. This means the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter option between the two, while the Durock White Lotus offers a bit more heft, which can enhance the typing experience for those who favor a stronger push. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch for lengthy use should lean towards the Deep Navy, whereas those who appreciate the feedback from heavier forces might prefer the White Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the Deep Navy offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus extends to 4 mm. This difference highlights a preference for depth in the tactile White Lotus switch, which may provide a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Gamers who favor quick response times may find the shorter travel distance of the Deep Navy more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. However, for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience with a hearty depth, the White Lotus’s longer travel distance may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and responsiveness, with the Deep Navy being more suited for speed and the White Lotus offering a more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its rich and sharp quality, likely providing a smooth and consistent auditory experience with each keystroke, thanks to its full nylon construction. This construction typically minimizes metallic or harsh sounds, enhancing the overall richness of every key press. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that it emits a bass-heavy, mellow tone that is not overstated, making it a great choice for both a quiet home office and collaborative workspaces. The balance of its sound ensures it won't be distracting, which complements its design for long typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy's characteristics are not explicitly described, but linear switches generally offer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, fostering fluid typing without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the White Lotus is designed for an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal resistance for activation. This gentle actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making them ideal for prolonged use. The mild and subtle nature of the tactile feedback further ensures a typing experience that is approachable and well-suited for users who prefer a less stark tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its lush auditory experience and generally smooth keystrokes, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch emphasizes a gentle and subtly tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Deep Navy for those seeking a rich sound and fluid feel, and the White Lotus for typists who value light tactility and a calm auditory atmosphere. This makes them both excellent choices depending on the typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the decision ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, linear feel with a light actuation force and rich sound profile, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy the sound of each keystroke and aim for speed in gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Its silky smoothness is designed to enhance an immersive typing experience, making it ideal for those who thrive on rapid repetitive keystrokes. Conversely, if you find yourself engaged in extended typing sessions or require a more tactile feedback that enhances your work experience without overwhelming your senses, the White Lotus switches will serve you well. With its medium-light bottom-out force and gentle tactile bump, it promotes comfort and reduces fatigue while typing, making it suitable for the office environment or for everyday use. The added bonus of vibrant RGB lighting through its removable column is perfect for creating an aesthetically pleasing setup. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches comes down to whether you want a quick and quiet typing experience with the Deep Navy or a more tactile, comforting feel with the White Lotus.
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