HMX Lotus vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Durock Piano are both excellent options to consider. The Lotus, a linear switch, offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound that provides a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Piano, also a linear switch, stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a pleasurable typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Lotus delivers a delightful typing experience, the Piano offers a unique blend of bassy, frictionless, and silky characteristics. 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
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
The HMX Lotus and the Durock Piano both utilize unique housing materials to enhance the sound profile of their switches. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Piano boasts a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the specific blend of the Piano's POM material gives it a distinct advantage in delivering a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Lotus and the Piano continue to differ in their approaches. The Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more rounded sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that enhances the overall sound profile of the switch. The unique blend of POM material in the Piano provides a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel that complements the top housing for a well-rounded typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Durock Piano, it becomes evident that each material brings its unique qualities to the switch design. The split between top and bottom allows for a more nuanced sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Lotus's nylon housing offers a classic deep and full sound, the Piano's proprietary POM blend provides a uniquely satisfying sound profile that sets it apart in the mechanical keyboard market. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Piano, whose actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, while the Piano needs 63.5 grams to fully bottom out. The difference in weight suggests that the Lotus offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Piano provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Lotus is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Piano is heavier and offers a medium-heavy typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who appreciate more feedback while typing or gaming. Overall, the decision between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep, creamy sound signature that is described as bassy, giving a richer and deeper sound profile during key presses. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that can enhance the typing experience, with the Lotus being bright and bouncy, while the Piano offers a deep and creamy sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for providing a medium weight of 50g bottom out, but specific descriptors for feel are unknown. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with a gliding push feel. The frictionless and silky feel of the Piano switch enhances the overall smoothness of typing, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus and Durock Piano linear switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus provides a bright and bouncy sound and a medium weight, the Piano offers a deep and creamy sound signature with a frictionless and silky feel. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a delightful typing experience. If you prefer a bright and bouncy sound and medium weight, the Lotus is a great choice. If you enjoy a deep and creamy sound with a frictionless and silky feel, the Piano would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience with their own distinctive characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound signature. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano could be more suitable. Additionally, factor in your preference for feel - whether you prefer a bouncy feeling with minimal resistance or a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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