HMX Jelly vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and deep, thocky sound profile, offering an enjoyable experience for those who prioritize quiet, uninterrupted keystrokes. With its lightweight 42g actuation force, the Jelly is perfect for users seeking a fast and responsive typing experience without the tactile feedback of a bump. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch, caters to typists who appreciate a gentle tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy without being too overwhelming. With its light tactile response, this switch is great for extended typing sessions, making it a fine choice for professionals and gamers alike. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column that supports vivid RGB lighting, adding a stunning visual element to any setup. While the Jelly appeals to those who value smoothness and sound, the White Lotus enchants users with its tactile feedback and aesthetic flair. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Nylon
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and Durock White Lotus switches present distinctive differences in their top housing materials, despite both utilizing nylon for the bottom housing. The Jelly features a top housing made of classic nylon, renowned for its softer texture and sound-dampening properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as the nylon absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus employs a modified blend of Polycarbonate (PC) and UPE, which introduces a unique feel that is often described as more premium. This combination may lead to sharper sound characteristics and heightened durability, diverging from the Jelly’s mellow auditory experience.
When we delve into the bottom housings of both switches, however, we discover a point of convergence. Both the HMX Jelly and the Durock White Lotus utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which reinforces the deep and rounded sound profile that typists may appreciate. The characteristics of nylon in the Jelly’s and White Lotus’s bottom housings mean that users will experience similar auditory features, particularly during the bottoming-out phase of key presses. This shared material contributes to a tactile experience that is softer and quieter, making for a more muted overall sound when typing, regardless of the differing materials used in their top housings.
In summary, while the HMX Jelly and Durock White Lotus switches exhibit contrasting attributes in their top housing materials, both benefit from the sound-dampening qualities of nylon in their bottom housings. This juxtaposition allows users to experience nuanced differences in sound and feedback depending on which switch they choose. The Jelly offers a consistent nylon experience throughout, while the White Lotus introduces a premium feel with its modified top housing material. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying and full auditory feedback, especially during the bottom-out stages of typing due to their shared nylon bottoms, making them compelling options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This medium-light feel may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Jelly is lighter and designed for ease of use over long periods, the White Lotus offers a bit more resistance, catering to those who prefer a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that the Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jelly is the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the White Lotus, with its greater travel distance, might appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying depth when typing. Overall, users looking for quicker response times may gravitate towards the Jelly, while those who enjoy a more traditional tactile experience could opt for the White Lotus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch boasts a low-pitched, deep, thocky signature, contributing to a bass-heavy and mellow tone that many typists find satisfying. This characteristic makes it enjoyable for those who prefer a more robust auditory experience, perfect for adding a bit of a punch to typing. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which is more moderate and versatile, catering well to both beginners and advanced users alike. The sound from the White Lotus won’t distract in shared spaces due to its balanced timbre, though it lacks the thocky richness of the Jelly. Depending on the keyboard and keycap materials used, the perceived sound quality can vary, but fundamentally, the Jelly provides a more pronounced auditory pleasure than the subtly neutral experience of the White Lotus.
When evaluating feel, the HMX Jelly switch stands out for its super-smooth typing experience, attributed to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This combination allows for effortless keystrokes that feel almost fleeting, making it particularly enticing for rapid typists or gamers seeking a smooth linear response. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a light tactile feel, with characteristics that encourage comfortable, extended typing sessions. It’s designed to provide gentle resistance, minimizing finger fatigue while delivering a mild, approachable typing experience. The subtlety in both tactile feedback and actuation force means that while the Jelly leans towards a fluid linearity, the White Lotus introduces a delicate tactility that is not overwhelming and remains pleasant over long periods.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provide distinct typing experiences shaped by their sound and feel. The Jelly caters to those who relish a rich, deep sound and a smooth linear feel, making it ideal for expressive typing. In contrast, the White Lotus appeals to those who prioritize a light, tactile profile and balanced sound, enhancing comfort during prolonged use without drawing excess attention. While the Jelly offers a more robust auditory feedback, the neutrality of the White Lotus positions it as a versatile option for varied environments. Ultimately, personal preference will guide selection, as both switches deliver high-quality experiences within their unique realms.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will guide your decision. If you’re someone who values a smooth and lightweight keypress, particularly for gaming or rapid typing, then the Jelly’s 42g actuation force and deep, thocky sound signature could be just what you’re looking for. Its light touch and excellent factory lube make it an optimal choice for those who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that enriches your typing experience—especially during long work sessions—the White Lotus would be the way to go. With its gentle 56g bottom-out force and subtle, yet satisfying tactility, this switch allows for comfort and assurance without being too overwhelming. Furthermore, the White Lotus's low-pitched, neutral sound makes it suitable for shared spaces where noise might be a concern, while its vibrant RGB compatibility adds an aesthetic element to your setup. Thus, your choice ultimately boils down to whether you prefer the smooth, fast characteristics of the Jelly or the tactile, comfortable feeling of the White Lotus.
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