HMX Gravel vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Durock White Lotus each offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless experience with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer fast-paced, uninterrupted input. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch, is designed for those who appreciate a light tactile feedback without the overwhelming sensation typical of more pronounced tactile switches. It strikes a delicate balance, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions while featuring a removable light column that enhances the keyboard's RGB lighting effects, transforming your setup into a visual spectacle. While the Gravel excels in providing a smooth, linear feel, the White Lotus offers subtle tactile feedback and vibrant illumination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and aesthetic preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Durock White Lotus switches, one notable distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and enhances the visual appeal of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE, which delivers a unique premium feel while still maintaining the clarity that polycarbonate offers. Both materials allow for aesthetic transparency, though the White Lotus’s blend may produce varied tones in sound due to its modified properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, a classic choice in the industry. The nylon bottom housing in both the Gravel and the White Lotus allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and leads to a rounder auditory experience. This similarity ensures that users can expect a satisfying and rich sound when bottoming out the keys on either switch. The use of nylon in the bottom housings creates a sense of familiarity for typists and gamers alike, making both switches strong contenders for those seeking that full-bodied acoustic response.
Ultimately, while the Gravel and White Lotus switches may differ in the materials used for their top housings—polycarbonate in the Gravel providing a sharper sound, and a modified PC & UPE blend in the White Lotus offering a premium feel—the bottom housings are identical in their nylon construction. This means both switches can achieve a similar acoustic experience when pressed down, with the nylon housing enhancing the overall sound profile. However, upon releasing the key, the differences in the top housing materials will become apparent, influencing the auditory experience in contrasting yet complementary ways. Therefore, both switches can deliver impressive performance and aesthetic appeal, appealing to different preferences in tactile feel and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that the Gravel is the lighter option. The Gravel has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press down for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus requires a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams and bottoms out at 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in forces suggests that the Gravel switch may be more comfortable for those who prioritize lightness, while the White Lotus provides a slightly heftier push, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel. Despite being similar in actuation forces, the notable differences in bottom out forces further emphasize the Gravel's advantage in lightness compared to the heavier response of the White Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the HMX Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance, which could provide faster response times, making it more appealing to gamers looking for quick actions. On the other hand, the White Lotus's 4 mm travel distance aligns with the more traditional standard, possibly offering a more pronounced and satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Therefore, if you value quicker responsiveness, the Gravel might be the better choice, while the White Lotus would be preferable for a more substantial keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
When comparing the sound of the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, a distinct difference is apparent. The Gravel's sound profile is yet to be detailed, making it difficult to draw comparisons in this regard. In contrast, the White Lotus is characterized by a low-pitched tone that leans towards a mellow bass-heavy sound, combined with a neutral sound signature. This combination of sound qualities makes the White Lotus suitable for various environments, whether you're using it at home or in an office setting, as it doesn't create any overwhelming noise.
Regarding the feel, the Gravel switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience. It requires a medium-light actuation force, which leans toward the lighter side, allowing for a highly responsive typing experience that minimizes fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a gentle yet tactile feel, characterized by its easy-to-press nature. The mild and subtle typing experience provided by the White Lotus also emphasizes minimal resistance and a comfortable level of feedback, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions without being overwhelming.
Overall, both switches cater to specific preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The HMX Gravel linear switch excels in providing a smooth and seamless experience ideal for users who appreciate a lighter actuation for effortless typing, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch focuses on delivering a light tactile feedback suitable for users seeking a balanced typing experience. While the sound characteristics of the Gravel remain unclear, the neutral profile of the White Lotus ensures it can be comfortably used in a variety of settings. Users seeking a blend of smoothness and a delicate tactile feel will find admirable qualities in both switches, catering to different tastes and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you favor a lightweight, smooth, and responsive typing experience that requires minimal effort, then the HMX Gravel switch could be the ideal option for you. This switch's 50-gram bottom out force ensures that typing feels effortless, making it well-suited for fast typists or gamers who appreciate swift key presses without any noticeable resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a bit of feedback while still maintaining a comfortable typing action, the Durock White Lotus would be your go-to choice. With its medium-light 56-gram bottom out force, you get that satisfying tactile bump without overwhelming your fingers, making it great for prolonged work sessions or quiet environments. Additionally, the White Lotus allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visual flair to your keyboard. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to whether you prioritize smoothness and a quick response or a gentle tactile feedback that still feels pleasant over extended use.
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