Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus linear mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience and full nylon construction with generous factory lube, providing a frictionless and subdued feel. On the other hand, the Lotus switches from HMX boast a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, offering a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While the Ice King Linear emphasizes a creamy and polished typing experience, the Lotus focuses on providing a delightful and responsive feel. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel thanks to their nylon top and bottom housings.
However, while both the Ice King Linear and the Lotus utilize nylon for their housing materials, the design and construction of each switch may vary, leading to slight differences in sound and feel. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that despite having the same housing material, the way in which the nylon is used in the switches could result in subtle variations in typing experience between the Ice King Linear and the Lotus.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. However, any differences in design and construction may lead to slight variations in sound and feel between the two switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience thanks to their shared use of nylon as the housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear switch has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it on the medium side. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the HMX Lotus switch, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a firmer keystroke may find the Ice King Linear switch more appealing for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is the same as the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key, as the distance traveled from top to bottom is identical. While the specific mechanisms and materials of the switches may differ, their travel distance remains consistent at 3.5 mm for both the Ice King and Lotus switches. As a result, users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of key press depth and overall feel between these two switch options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 Ice King Linear switch is known for its subdued sound, providing a dampened and more subtle sound signature when compared to most switches. On the other hand, information on the sound qualities of the Lotus switch is currently unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is described as offering a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities enhance the overall smoothness of typing by minimizing resistance and providing a fluid travel sensation. Similarly, the Lotus switch is noted for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a super bouncy feeling, but specifics on its feel, such as smoothness or resistance, are not provided. Though both switches may offer different characteristics, if one prefers a smooth and effortless typing experience, they may achieve similar results with either switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Lotus linear switches each offer unique qualities that may cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and factory lube, while the Lotus switch boasts a bright, resonant sound and a 50g bottom out weight. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and any other factors that may influence the typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus linear switches, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that you prefer. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a silky, frictionless, or creamy typing experience with a subdued sound, then the Ice King Linear would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, then the HMX Lotus linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which typing experience resonates with you the most, whether it's the smoothness of the Ice King Linear or the bounciness of the Lotus.
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