HMX Lotus vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch offer distinctive typing experiences. The Lotus switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, provides a super bouncy feeling that can make every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. The Lotus switch falls under the linear category, while the Medium Tactile switch is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. Choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and sound, but 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
65g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice results in a common feature of deeper and fuller sound profiles when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Lotus and the Medium Tactile differ, with the Lotus utilizing nylon and the Medium Tactile employing polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued and rounded sound. These differences in top housing materials will likely result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Overall, while both the HMX Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound when typing, users may find one switch more appealing than the other based on the housing materials used. However, both switches offer high-quality materials that deliver satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams. The actuation force for the Medium Tactile is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Lotus more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Medium Tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a more substantial keypress experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Lotus providing a quicker response and the Medium Tactile offering a more tactile and deliberate 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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant tone, creating a bouncy and enjoyable sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its super bouncy feeling due to its 50g bottom-out weight. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, offering a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience, but they differ in the specific qualities they provide.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have their unique attributes that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a bright and bouncy sound with a medium weight, the Lotus switch might be the way to go. Alternatively, if you enjoy a tactile switch with pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch could be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Medium Tactile switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable for you during long typing sessions. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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