Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role in the user experience, and two compelling options to consider are the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus (Heavy). The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smoothness, resulting from a full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, making it ideal for those who favor a subdued and polished typing experience without the distraction of noise or friction. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that provides a satisfying bouncy feeling with each keystroke, perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. Each switch caters to different aspects of a keyboard enthusiast's preferences, with the Ice King Linear focusing on smoothness and quiet efficiency, while the Lotus (Heavy) delights those who appreciate an engaging acoustic and tactile interaction. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), it is important to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice leads to several similarities in their acoustic profiles. Both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to the nature of nylon being a softer plastic. The sound absorption characteristics of nylon allow for the creation of a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can expect to experience similar auditory feedback when using either switch, which can enhance the overall tactile experience during typing.
Despite the similarities in material composition, the impact of housing construction can vary between the Ice King Linear and the Lotus (Heavy) due to potential differences in other design elements or internal components. However, since both switches leverage nylon for their top and bottom housings, they are likely to yield comparable bottom-out sounds and typing feels. The feeling of the switches may still differ depending on how well the entire switch design is executed, including the stem and spring used within, but the shared housing material is a strong foundation for creating an enjoyable typing experience in both cases.
Ultimately, the similarities in the use of nylon for both the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches confirm that users can achieve a consistent sound profile when typing. The nylon material naturally enhances sound dampening and alters the auditory feedback upon key release, producing a satisfying typing experience across both switch models. Therefore, despite any potential variations in other components, the choice of nylon for both top and bottom housings ensures that the Ice King Linear and Lotus (Heavy) switches will perform similarly in terms of sound characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there's a subtle distinction that may influence user preference. The Ice King features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Lotus (Heavy) requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Despite these differences, the bottom out forces are quite similar, indicating that both switches provide a comparable tactile experience when fully pressed. This means that while the Ice King may allow for easier keystrokes due to its lighter actuation force, the Lotus offers a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation force. Consequently, if you prioritize speed and endurance during long typing or gaming sessions, the Ice King might be the more suitable choice; on the other hand, if you prefer a stronger feedback during typing, the Lotus might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the Ice King is the lighter switch, while the Lotus is the heavier option.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch are identical, measuring at 3.5 mm each. This means that both switches provide a similar key feel and feedback when pressed, resulting in comparable typing experiences. Since the travel distance is the same for both switches, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and overall feel when using either option. Thus, regardless of choice, the 3.5 mm travel distance ensures a consistent and satisfying experience with each keystroke.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized by its subdued quality, producing a dampened sound that's more subtle compared to many other switches. While it’s not completely silent, the subdued nature makes it suitable for quieter environments or those who prefer less acoustic distraction while typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is known for its bright, resonant sound, contributing to an auditory experience that energizes each keystroke. The combination of its engaging sound and tactile feedback creates an auditory delight that many users find appealing. However, it’s crucial to remember that both switches’ sound effects can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and type of keycaps used, making individual experience subjective.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear shines with descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, collectively promising an exceptionally smooth and pleasurable typing experience. The careful design and factory lube application minimize resistance, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This quality makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate fluid and light keystrokes. On the other hand, the specific tactile qualities of the Lotus (Heavy) are not detailed, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, it is noted for its medium-heavy weight, which typically adds a level of resistance that can provide a more robust feel to keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial engagement with their switches.
In summary, both the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Ice King’s subdued sound and extraordinarily smooth feel make it perfect for users looking for quiet and effortless typing. Contrarily, the Lotus's bright sound and potentially more pronounced tactile feedback—while lacking in specific descriptive details—suggest it may appeal to those who enjoy a lively interaction with each key. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, with both switches likely offering a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches, consider the specific typing experience and sound profile you prefer. If you prioritize a silky smooth and refined feel with a quieter typing experience, the Ice King Linear is the ideal choice. Its expertly crafted nylon construction and generous factory lubing provide an exceptionally creamy and frictionless sensation, making it perfect for both extensive typing sessions and relaxed gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback with bounciness and a resonant sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) might be better suited for you. While only slightly heavier in bottom-out force, the Lotus delivers a delightful keystroke experience with its distinct sound profile and lively feel. Ultimately, your preference for smoothness versus bounciness, along with how much sound you’re willing to tolerate, will guide your decision between these two high-quality switches.
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