HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Lupine present two enticing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches with distinct characteristics. The Lotus (Heavy), with its unique medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivers a bright, resonant sound that offers a delightful bounce in every keystroke, making typing a pleasurable experience for those who enjoy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine showcases a more advanced design with its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while offering a powerful rebound that enhances the typing experience. The Lupine is particularly noted for its classic clacky sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback. While both switches cater to linear switch aficionados, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference regarding weight, sound, and overall typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Lupine, the differences in their top housing materials are quite pronounced. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which dampens noise and creates a more muted auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, allows for clearer and more resonant acoustics, making it particularly compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches provide tactile feedback, the resulting sound and aesthetic quality differ significantly based on the materials used for their top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Lupine utilize nylon, leading to similarities in sound and feel when typing. The nylon bottom housing in both switches imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile that echoes the characteristics of the Lotus (Heavy)'s nylon top housing. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will experience a consistent auditory signature stemming from the nylon material at the bottom. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel during keypresses, the shared nylon foundation in both switches ensures that users will enjoy a similar tactile experience when bottoming out.
Overall, the combination of materials in the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Durock Lupine creates distinctive audio and tactile experiences while maintaining some consistent traits through their nylon bottom housings. The dampened sound profile offered by the Lotus (Heavy) due to its nylon top contrasts sharply with the crisper acoustics of the Durock Lupine's polycarbonate top. However, by analyzing the materials utilized, particularly the common use of nylon in the bottom housing, one can expect a familiar sound and feel when pressing down on both switches. This nuanced interplay of materials can significantly influence users' preferences depending on whether they prioritize a fuller, rounded sound or a sharper, more resonant response.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Lupine's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Lotus at 62.5 grams and the Lupine slightly lower at 62 grams, indicating that they both provide a medium level of resistance when pressed fully down. In terms of weight, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option due to its specified actuation force. This noticeable difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for extended use may find the Lotus less comfortable compared to a lighter switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might favor its substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer a comparable bottom out performance, the weight and actuation force characteristics differentiate them significantly in terms of user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the Lotus offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Lotus switch provides a more responsive feel, making it a better choice for gamers who prioritize quick key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the Lupine's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, offering a deeper, more tactile sensation when pressing keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Lotus being the shorter option and the Lupine providing a more pronounced depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright and resonant tone that enhances typing feedback, giving it an engaging auditory character that many find enjoyable. The sound signature is prominent, offering a lively feedback that makes each keystroke stand out. Conversely, the Durock Lupine switch is characterized by a classic clacky sound profile alongside neutral and high-pitched variations. Its sound is versatile enough for both casual and more serious typing tasks, ensuring that it can fit various environments, whether for work or at home. While the Lotus has a more distinctive tone, the Lupine provides a balance that might appeal to users looking for something less pronounced.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches are known for their medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a super bouncy sensation, making every keystroke feel intentional and satisfying. This makes typing a delight, as the weight adds a certain heft that some typists prefer. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switches offer a more gentle typing experience thanks to their mild characteristics, making them approachable for users of all skill levels. Additionally, the presence of two-stage long springs in the Lupine adds a layer of complexity, as they offer a consistent weight distribution during the press and a powerful rebound on release, which can enhance the overall typing experience. The polished finish of the Lupine ensures a smooth travel, making it a joy to type on as well.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Durock Lupine linear switches cater to different preferences, they each bring unique qualities to the table. The Lotus switch stands out for its bright sound and bouncy feel, providing an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Lupine switch offers a more balanced sound profile and a smooth, mild feel with its polished finish, made even more intriguing by its two-stage spring mechanism. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound dynamics and typing feedback; however, both switches can deliver satisfying results in their own right, ensuring a positive experience for typists at any level.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Lupine linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a bouncy typing experience with a bright, resonant sound that captures attention, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option. Its slightly heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams delivers a delightful tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel satisfying, ideal for gamers and typists who like an engaging and dynamic input. Conversely, if you prefer a more neutral and polished typing experience, the Durock Lupine stands out with its smooth actuation and characteristic clacky sound. The two-stage long springs provide a consistent weight distribution with an added springy rebound, making it suitable for extended typing sessions while remaining accessible for various use cases—be it work or casual gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want your keyboard to sound and feel; whether you desire the lively pop of the Lotus (Heavy) or the refined ease of the Lupine, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences.
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