HMX Lotus vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) 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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Lotus switches from HMX are revered for their medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are known for offering a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making them perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Lotus excels in providing a delightful typing experience with its smooth linear action, the Silent T1 shines in offering a tactile feel with silent operation. 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
67g
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Lotus emits a rounder sound, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a more resonant and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, both the Lotus and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality in bottom housing material results in a similar typing experience for both switches, generating a duller and rounder sound when pressed. However, the distinctions in their top housing materials create noticeable differences in sound quality when pressing down on the keys versus releasing them. The balance between the absorption qualities of nylon and the stiffness of polycarbonate in the respective top housings influences the overall typing feel and sound of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. While the Lotus offers a softer and deeper sound due to its nylon top and bottom housings, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the top and bottom housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of each key press. Whether you prefer a rounder sound profile with the Lotus or a sharper sound with the Silent T1 (Shrimp), the housing materials of these switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there is a clear difference in weight. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smoother and more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. While the actuation force of the Silent T1 is unknown, the bottom out force indicates that it is heavier than the Lotus. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Lotus would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Silent T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing 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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch produces a muted sound, perfect for noise-sensitive environments with its softer and quieter feedback. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the level of auditory feedback desired.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bouncy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. As for the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, it is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and a smooth typing experience that is not overwhelming in tactility. Again, the decision between the two switches would ultimately come down to personal preference for the level of tactile feedback desired.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feel, while the Silent T1 switch offers a muted sound and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for auditory feedback, tactility, and typing experience. If similar results are desired, both switches can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light, bouncy keystroke with a bright sound, the Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bump with a quieter sound profile and a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) could be more suitable, especially if you are in a noise-sensitive environment. Ultimately, your choice should be based on what feel and sound experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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