HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Piano stand out as two intriguing linear options, each bringing unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) captivates users with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, producing a bright, resonant sound that complements its super bouncy feel, making every keystroke a joyful experience. This switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile yet smooth typing sensation that enhances their productivity while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as 'Bassy,' 'Frictionless,' and 'Silky,' these switches are perfect for enthusiasts who prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a pleasing auditory feedback. While both switches provide excellent performance in their own right, they cater to diverse preferences in feel and sound. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Piano switches, we can observe distinctive characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The soft nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for its top housing. While specific details of the blend remain undisclosed, it is suggested that this material also delivers a satisfying and deep sound profile. This difference in materials implies that the two switches may offer different auditory sensations despite both aiming for richness in sound.
The bottom housings of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Piano continue this trend of material variation. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing in the case of the Lotus (Heavy), reinforcing its reputation for producing deeper and fuller sounds. The Durock Piano, on the other hand, utilizes its proprietary POM blend for the bottom housing as well. While both types of bottom housing aim to enhance sound quality, the characteristics of nylon might result in a slightly different bottom-out feel and sound compared to the POM blend, which, while still deep and satisfying, could convey a different tactile feedback when pressed.
In summary, although both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Piano switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they are designed to achieve similar outcomes in terms of sound quality. The nylon in the Lotus contributes to a soft sound profile, while the POM blend in the Durock aims for a similarly pleasing auditory experience. Ultimately, these differences will impact how users experience the switch during typing; the nylon's absorption capabilities may lead to a rounder sound, while the POM blend may offer a more crisp auditory response. Both switches deliver unique attributes that enhance the typing experience while achieving the shared goal of producing a satisfying sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences that users should consider. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a relatively balanced keystroke experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that the Durock Piano may provide a stronger tactile feedback when reaching the end of the keystroke. Overall, the Lotus (Heavy) is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for extensive typing tasks or prolonged gaming sessions. Conversely, users who favor a firmer push may prefer the Durock Piano, which, while lacking specific actuation force data, indicates a more substantial bottoming out experience. Thus, those who enjoy a heavier switch feel may be inclined towards the Durock option, while lighter users might opt for the Lotus (Heavy) for its ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option that caters to those who appreciate a more responsive key press, which can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Durock Piano boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a deeper and more satisfying feel that some users prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. This means that for those who value quick response times, the Lotus (Heavy) is the better choice, while the Piano is ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced key travel. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, the Durock Piano features a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking a hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright and resonant tone that stands out during typing, creating a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This creates an engaging and lively experience, as the higher-pitched sound can add a sense of excitement while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its deep, creamy sound signature, often described as bassy. This gives it a richer, more robust auditory profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a warm depth that can be particularly enjoyable. Despite their differing sound signatures, both switches can have their acoustic qualities influenced by external factors such as the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is noted for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, contributing to a bouncy sensation with each press, which can feel energizing and responsive during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is designed to provide a frictionless and silky experience, characterized by smoothness throughout the entire travel of the key. This results in an effortless typing feel, allowing users to glide through their keystrokes with minimal resistance. While the two switches offer different tactile sensations, both can provide an enjoyable typing experience, but the Lotus tends to emphasize a more pronounced responsiveness whereas the Piano leans towards smooth fluidity.
In summary, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Durock Piano linear switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, but they cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch is preferred for those who enjoy a brighter sound and a bouncy feel, while the Durock Piano appeals to those seeking a richer, deeper auditory experience combined with smooth, frictionless keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice may come down to which auditory and tactile sensations resonate more with your personal typing style, as both switches can fulfill their roles effectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch with a delightful bounce in your keystrokes, the Lotus (Heavy) switch may be perfect for you. Its medium-weight of 62.5 grams and bright, resonant sound can make typing feel more dynamic and enjoyable, which is ideal if you engage in fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you’re seeking an extraordinarily smooth and frictionless experience, combined with a deeper, creamier sound, the Durock Piano switch might be your best choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a richer auditory profile and silky feel that makes every keystroke feel luxurious and satisfying, perfect for long typing sessions or those who appreciate a more refined sound signature. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you value bouncy dynamics or silky smoothness, aligning with your typing style and comfort needs.
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