HMX Lotus vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Durock White Lotus offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch known 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 Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions. While the Lotus switches from HMX are best suited for those who enjoy a more lively typing experience, the White Lotus switches excel in providing a tranquil typing experience with mesmerizing RGB illumination. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Durock White Lotus differ slightly in their compositions. The HMX Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus incorporates a modified PC & UPE blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both materials provide a distinct typing experience, the nylon top housing of the HMX Lotus may produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the White Lotus's modified blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Lotus and the Durock White Lotus utilize the classic nylon material. This choice enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the overall typing experience. Therefore, the similarities between the nylon bottom housings of both the HMX Lotus and Durock White Lotus ensure a consistent quality in sound and feel for users who prefer this type of housing material.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials between the HMX Lotus and Durock White Lotus may result in variations in the sound profile and typing feel. The HMX Lotus's nylon top housing is designed to absorb more sound, creating a softer and duller typing experience, while the White Lotus's modified blend may offer a more premium and unique feel. However, since both switches share the classic nylon material for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. The choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference for the specific feel and sound profile desired.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch which has an actuation force of 46 grams. The bottom out force of the HMX Lotus is also lighter at 50 grams, while the Durock White Lotus has a heavier bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that the HMX Lotus will provide a smoother and easier typing experience with less resistance, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a slightly more tactile and substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches are relatively close in terms of actuation force, so users can expect similar results in terms of key response and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the HMX Lotus can lead to faster response times, which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Durock White Lotus may provide a more satisfying keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper pressing sensation. Both switches offer different advantages based on personal preference, with the HMX Lotus providing a quicker response and the Durock White Lotus offering a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's individual preferences for 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 White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 offers a bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch features a low-pitched sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switch has a medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a satisfying tactile feedback with each press. In comparison, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. The White Lotus switch also offers a mild and subtle typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Both switches offer a different tactile feel that can cater to various typing preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The HMX Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a medium weight feel, while the Durock White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with an easy-to-press and subtle tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, with careful consideration of other factors such as keyboard layout, keycaps, and overall setup, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the HMX Lotus linear switch if you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Durock White Lotus tactile switch if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 56 grams and seek a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user, making them perfect for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, if you want vibrant RGB lighting effects and a tranquil typing experience, the White Lotus switches are the way to go. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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