HMX Lotus vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch from HMX boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that will make each keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend, offering a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience while maintaining smoothness. The Sea Glass switches also exhibit a weightlessness despite their 62g bottom-out force, giving a frictionless nature and uniquely hollow sound signature. While the Lotus switch emphasizes a satisfying bounce and sound, the Sea Glass switch prioritizes a smooth and airy typing experience. 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
45g
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
3.80 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 housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Durock Sea Glass exhibit some key differences. The Lotus features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is described as pleasant and slightly brighter. This distinction in materials reflects in the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
Although the Lotus and Sea Glass both incorporate nylon in their housing materials, they each offer a distinct typing experience. The Lotus with its nylon top and bottom housing provides a sound profile that is duller and rounder, while the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a sound that is brighter and more pleasant. This difference in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall feel and feedback that users experience when typing on these switches, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
The split between the bottom and top housing materials in switches can significantly influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the nylon bottom housing in the Lotus or the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Sea Glass, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding the qualities of each housing material and how they interact can help users tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, one can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the initial force needed to trigger a keystroke is consistent between the two switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, while the Sea Glass needs 62 grams. This makes the Sea Glass switch slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to press the key all the way down. This slight difference in bottom out force means that the Sea Glass switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Lotus switch may be more preferred by those who need to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. Overall, both switches can offer a different typing experience based on the weight preferences of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, catering to those who prioritize faster response times and a more tactile feel. The Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Glass provides a touch more depth in its travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, providing users with a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel.
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 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 linear switch is best known for its bright and resonant sound, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches provide distinct acoustic profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and the accompanying hardware setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a super bouncy feeling with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch boasts a frictionless and feathery feel, with a weightlessness that defies expectations despite its 62g bottom-out force. The Sea Glass switches also offer a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Considering all available information, both the HMX Lotus and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. While the Lotus switch provides a bouncy and resonant typing experience, the Sea Glass switch stands out for its frictionless and weightless feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup. Regardless of the choice made, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter keypress with a bouncy and resonant sound, the HMX Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-weight switch with a unique dry and airy typing experience that defies expectations, the Durock Sea Glass might be more to your liking. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision, as both switches offer their own distinctive qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Durock Sea Glass will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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