HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Durock Sea Glass both offer distinct characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The Lotus (Heavy) stands out with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a vibrant, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feel that enhances the joy of each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass introduces a captivating aesthetic with its five pastel color options and a unique typing experience marked by a distinct dryness, airiness, and smoothness, despite its lighter 62g bottom-out force. Known for their frictionless feel and mild resistance, these switches cater to users seeking a delicate touch for effortless typing. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you prefer a more dynamic and resonant experience or a sleek and weightless sensation. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Durock Sea Glass switches both employ nylon in their housing materials, albeit in different compositions. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes pure nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a rounded and subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass integrates a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housings. While still benefiting from nylon's favorable acoustic properties, the Sea Glass blend introduces a slightly brighter sound profile, resulting in a sound that is pleasant but a touch sharper compared to the Lotus.
When examining the bottom housings specifically, the Lotus (Heavy) maintains a consistent nylon composition. This means that it will exhibit the same deep sound profile during the bottoming-out phase as experienced during the keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass's bottom housing, while still composed of the nylon blend, may introduce a touch of brightness to the overall experience. This difference implies that while both switches have nylon at their core, the Sea Glass will provide a blend of qualities during the actuation that leans toward a more lively sound, differing from the more solid and pronounced response of the Lotus (Heavy) during bottoming out.
Overall, the construction materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Durock Sea Glass switches offer a fascinating case of comparison. While both switches are grounded in nylon, the difference lies in the incorporation of the UHMWPE in the Sea Glass, which leads to a distinctive sound profile. Specifically, users may find that while both switches perform well in terms of sound and feel, the Lotus will deliver a consistent and rich auditory experience due to its pure nylon construction, whereas the Sea Glass will offer a blend of qualities that may be more suited to those who enjoy a slightly brighter sound without sacrificing depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two may boil down to personal preference regarding sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch demonstrate a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Sea Glass's lighter 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might be more inclined to choose the Lotus. Both switches exhibit similar bottom-out forces, with the Lotus at 62.5 grams and the Sea Glass slightly lighter at 62 grams. Despite the close bottom-out forces, the overall experience will differ due to the actuation force disparity. The lighter Sea Glass switch is likely more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, allowing for less fatigue, while the heavier Lotus may appeal to those seeking a firmer touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight in a keyboard setup.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Glass features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Lotus (Heavy) the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Glass, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper experience that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch you choose; if you gravitate towards a quicker response, the Lotus (Heavy) may be ideal, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial actuation may prefer the Sea Glass.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 delivers a bright and resonant auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing atmosphere, contributing to the tactile satisfaction that many keyboard enthusiasts seek. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch produces a uniquely hollow sound signature, which gives it a distinct auditory character that feels airy and lightweight. While the Lotus is likely to generate a more pronounced auditory feedback with its resonant tones, the Sea Glass leans towards a subtle and airy acoustics, offering a different auditory satisfaction. It's important to note that the overall sound profile of both switches can be influenced by external factors like the keyboard frame and keycap material.
Focusing on feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, resulting in a super bouncy sensation that delivers an exhilarating typing experience. This switch tends to provide a solid and reassuring feedback for each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a robust typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch presents a frictionless typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force of 62g, which makes typing feel effortless and fluid. Users will likely find the Sea Glass to be mild and feathery, as it minimizes resistance and strain during extended use, making it ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and light touch in their typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Lotus provides a bouncy and bright response, making it perfect for users who desire a more tactile and engaging experience, while the Sea Glass leverages a smoother, lighter touch with its airy sound profile, appealing to those who favor a frictionless and comfortable experience. Ultimately, users can expect enjoyable typing experiences from both, albeit with unique characteristics that would satisfy different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight and an engaging sound profile, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice. Its bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound can enhance your typing experience, especially if you prefer a keystroke that feels lively and responsive. This makes it ideal for those who spend long hours typing or gaming and appreciate a dynamic feedback from each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switches may be more to your liking. Their unique airy feel and mild pressure, combined with a notably hollow sound signature, create a comfortable, fatigue-free typing experience that is ideal for extended use. The pastel colors also add a visual appeal that can enhance your keyboard aesthetic. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer the energetic feedback of the Lotus (Heavy) or the effortlessly smooth nature of the Sea Glass switches.
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