HMX FJ400 vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact the typing experience, and two excellent options to consider are the HMX FJ400 and the Durock White Lotus. The FJ400, a linear switch, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it a versatile option that provides a smooth keystroke without the distraction of tactile feedback. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a consistent feel without audible bumps, allowing for faster key presses and greater comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus offers a light tactile experience, designed specifically for those who appreciate a delicate touch while typing. With its subtle tactility, this switch is perfect for extended sessions, allowing users to feel each key press without overwhelming their fingers. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column that enhances its aesthetic appeal with vibrant RGB lighting effects, creating an immersive typing environment. Both switches have their unique advantages: the FJ400 for its smooth and linear performance and the White Lotus for its tactile feedback and visual allure. 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
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The HMX FJ400 and Durock White Lotus employ different materials for their top housings, leading to distinguishing sound profiles. The FJ400 features a POM top housing known for producing a unique and deeper sound profile that is characterized as relatively muted. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and urethane plastic (UPE) for its top housing, which provides a premium feel and a different auditory experience. While the FJ400's POM material creates a rich and subdued sound, the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend might present a brighter and more resonant tone, ultimately offering users varied tactile and acoustic feedback depending on their preference.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the FJ400 and White Lotus utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material revered for its sound-dampening qualities. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile by absorbing noise and providing a softer feel upon key presses. This similarity means that despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, the overall sound experience during typing on both switches will share a common thread due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties, enhancing the acoustic consistency across both models.
Though the top housings differ significantly, with the POM in the FJ400 providing a muted tone and the modified blend in the White Lotus potentially enhancing brightness, the overall impact on sound during key presses ultimately lies in the interplay between the tops and bottoms. Since both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, they will share an inherent deeper and fuller sound quality. Additionally, the bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel will remain consistent across both switches, allowing users to enjoy a comparable experience when typing, despite the nuanced variations introduced by the top housing materials.
Weight
The HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch present interesting contrasts in both actuation and bottom out forces. The FJ400 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium weight switch. In comparison, the White Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in actuation force suggests that users who favor a lighter typing feel, suitable for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions, might lean towards the White Lotus. Conversely, the FJ400 could appeal more to those who prefer a stronger push feel, leading to a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out forces are relatively close, the FJ400 remains heavier overall, making it a better fit for users who enjoy a firmer tactile response when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The FJ400 has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the White Lotus features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with more traditional switch designs that many users find comfortable. While the FJ400 offers a potentially quicker response time favored by gamers due to its shorter travel, the White Lotus provides a more substantial depth that could be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing experience. Thus, if you're seeking responsiveness, the HMX FJ400 would be the better choice, whereas the Durock White Lotus would cater to those who appreciate a deeper feel in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 profiles of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch present distinct characteristics. The FJ400 is known for a balanced sound profile, providing a versatile auditory experience that is not too loud nor too muted, making it suitable for various settings from quiet offices to more casual environments. In contrast, the White Lotus has a low-pitched, neutral tone, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow sound that resonates softly during use. This gentle auditory experience, combined with its overall balanced sound, allows for an enjoyable typing session without being overly intrusive, particularly in shared spaces.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the differences become evident as well. The FJ400 linear switch provides a smoother keystroke with no tactile bump, which can appeal to those who prefer a more uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press design that provides gentle resistance, enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue over long typing sessions. Its mild and subtle characteristics make the White Lotus a particularly approachable option for many typists, ensuring that users can enjoy a soft yet responsive feel while typing without the fear of overwhelming feedback that might detract from the experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provide unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the FJ400 offers a balanced sound that fits various environments along with a smooth linear feel, the White Lotus excels with its low-pitched sound and gentle tactile feedback that promotes comfort during extended use. Ultimately, both switches can lead to satisfying typing experiences; choosing between them will depend on whether one prioritizes a smoother typing experience with minimal feedback or a light tactile feel complemented by a gentle auditory presence.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering the choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, think about your specific needs and typing preferences. If you seek a more balanced and subdued sound profile with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the FJ400 is a great choice. It is ideal for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump and want a reliable and consistent linear experience, especially suited for fast-paced gaming or heavy typing in a focused environment. On the other hand, if you favor a tactile feedback with a lighter actuation, the White Lotus allows for a gentle tactile experience that is perfect for long hours of typing. Boasting a bottom-out force of 56 grams, it provides an easy-to-press feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it excellent for professional work or casual use. Additionally, the White Lotus enhances your typing experience with its vibrant RGB lighting effects and low-pitched, pleasant sound profile, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, whether you choose the FJ400 for its smooth linear characteristics or the White Lotus for its delightful tactility depends on your typing style and the atmosphere in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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