HMX Lotus vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Durock Lupine both offer unique experiences for users. The Lotus, a linear switch, stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Lupine, also a linear switch, offers a different typing experience with its two-stage long springs, ensuring a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Both switches have their own strengths; the Lotus is best for those looking for a bouncy typing sensation, while the Lupine is ideal for those seeking a classic clacky sound profile. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The HMX Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine comes with a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Lotus's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing offers a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. Despite the differences in sound profile, both materials provide unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Lotus and the Durock Lupine share the same nylon material. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to create a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the impact each housing has on the overall sound and feel of the switch can vary. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Durock Lupine, it becomes evident that while both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials differ significantly. The Lotus's nylon top housing creates a deep and full sound profile, whereas the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and typing experience of a switch. Whether it's the softer nylon offering a duller sound or the stiffer polycarbonate providing a more resonant sound, each material brings its unique qualities to the table.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch is lighter both in actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Lupine linear switch. The Lotus requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Lupine's actuation force is unknown and it bottoms out at 62 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Lupine provides a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences, with the Lotus offering a lighter touch and the Lupine providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Lotus switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a more responsive keypress, while the Lupine switch's slightly longer travel distance could provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound profile, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch is known for a classic clacky sound profile, thanks to its two-stage long springs. The Lupine switch also offers options for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound, while the Lotus switch provides a unique auditory experience with its bright and resonant tones. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired when typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch emphasizes a medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a delightful bouncy feeling with each keystroke. Comparatively, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a consistent weight distribution when pressing down, followed by a powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Lupine switch is described as providing a gentle typing experience with qualities that fall within a safe, middle-ground zone, while the Lotus switch offers a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, catering to a variety of preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch each have unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a bright, resonant sound or a classic clacky sound profile, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences. Similarly, the bouncy feeling of the Lotus switch and the consistent weight distribution of the Lupine switch provide different tactile sensations, catering to varying preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy keystroke with a bright sound profile, the Lotus may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a two-stage long spring design that offers a consistent weight distribution and a clacky sound profile, the Lupine may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer quality performance, so it's just a matter of choosing the one that fits your typing style the best.
Mentioned in this article
