Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) can significantly impact your typing experience. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its harmonious blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying tactile sensation that engages typists who appreciate a more textured feedback. With qualities described as silky, frictionless, and polished, this switch is ideal for those who seek precision in their keystrokes while enjoying the artistry of tactile typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) shines with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that adds an enjoyable element to each press. This linear switch caters to users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience without the tactile bump, making it a great option for fast-paced typing and gaming. Both switches offer distinct advantages shaped by their tactile and linear characteristics; 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
58g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches share a commonality that is significant in the keyboard switches industry: both employ nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice contributes to the distinct auditory profiles experienced when typing. As nylon is known for being a softer plastic, it inherently absorbs sound waves more effectively than its harder plastic counterparts. Consequently, both the Ice King Tactile and the Lotus (Heavy) switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is not only pleasant but also carries a more profound auditory depth. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will enjoy a similarly subdued and rounded sound while typing.
While both the Ice King Tactile and HMX Lotus (Heavy) use nylon for their entire housing, the impact of these materials can vary based on the placement of the sound profile attributes between the top and bottom housings. The characteristics of the bottom housing will primarily influence the sensation and sound at the point of bottoming out, while the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound during the release of the key. Therefore, even though both switches are made from identical nylon materials, a user may experience subtle differences in overall feedback and acoustics depending on the specific switch design. For instance, the Ice King may feel slightly different from the Lotus (Heavy) while typing due to variations in the internal design that affect the bottoming out or release sound, despite both having the same housing material.
In essence, typing on the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches allows users to achieve a similar auditory experience due to their shared nylon material. However, the differences in the internal design and switch mechanics may lead to distinct tactile experiences while typing, showcasing how even identical materials can produce divergent user sensations based on structural configurations. Ultimately, both switches exemplify the advantages of nylon as a housing material, promising gratifying sound and tactile responses for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile features an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This means that the Ice King Tactile requires a bit more force to actuate and to bottom out than the Lotus. For typists who prefer a substantial feel or engage in heavy typing sessions, the Ice King may offer a more satisfying tactile experience, while the Lotus switches are better suited for those who favor a lighter touch, making them ideal for prolonged use during long work hours or gaming. Overall, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option, whereas the Lotus is the lighter one, catering to different preferences in typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they have the same actuation distance when pressed down. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Whether typing or gaming, the consistent 3.5 mm travel distance of both switches will provide a uniform experience, making it easy for individuals to transition between keyboards that utilize these switches without adjusting to different key sensitivities. As a result, both the Durock Ice King and HMX Lotus switches deliver an equally satisfying tactile responsiveness, ideal for a variety of typing scenarios.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued auditory character, producing a dampened yet discernible sound when pressed. This quieter sound profile allows for a more subtle typing experience, making it a good option for those who favor minimal noise in their work or gaming environments. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is characterized by its bright and resonant sound, though details on its specific sound profile are absent. The distinction between the two switches suggests that if you lean toward discrete auditory feedback, the Ice King Tactile would better suit your style, whereas the Lotus may offer a more pronounced acoustic highlight during typing.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile presents a remarkably sophisticated typing experience. It combines a silky smoothness with a frictionless action, allowing for effortless key presses and a pleasurable tactile sensation thanks to its pronounced bump. The stepped design further enhances this experience, offering a distinct feedback mechanism that adds intricacy to each keystroke. The switch's polished finish contributes to its refined nature, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) does not have specific descriptors regarding its tactile feel; therefore, while it is noted to provide a bouncy sensation that enhances the typing pleasure, exact comparisons in texture and resistance cannot be established.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels with its subdued sound and rich tactile experience, perfect for users seeking a more nuanced typing feedback. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a brighter sound and a delightful bounciness, appealing to those who appreciate a more vibrant typing environment. Ultimately, your choice may rely on whether you prioritize the nuanced feedback and sound signature of the Ice King or the energetic response and auditory engagement of the Lotus switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump that offers a uniquely satisfying feedback with each keystroke, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 68 grams, paired with a silky and frictionless feel, makes it ideal for those who enjoy a blend of tactile feedback and smooth operation. This switch is particularly suitable for typing enthusiasts who prioritize tactile sensation and refined key travel without being overly noisy, given its subdued sound profile.
On the other hand, if you favor a more linear experience that still delivers a sense of bounce with a slightly lighter actuation force of 62.5 grams, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) could be to your liking. This switch caters to users who enjoy a vibrant and resonant typing sound, paired with a delightful bounce that elevates the overall typing sensation. Its unique characteristics make it perfect for gamers or typists who enjoy an energized typing experience devoid of tactile feedback's interruption. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize tactile sensation and smoothness or prefer the buoyancy and sound that the Lotus (Heavy) offers.
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