HMX Lucky vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Durock White Lotus offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Lucky, characterized by its softer and glittery nylon housing, delivers a linear feel that prioritizes smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers or those who prefer a typing experience that is both neutral and satisfying. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus introduces a delightful tactile feedback, designed explicitly for the discerning typist. It features a light tactile bump that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for long typing sessions without feeling overwhelming. Additionally, the White Lotus incorporates customizable RGB lighting through its removable light column, adding an aesthetic flair to your keyboard. Ultimately, while the Lucky’s lightweight and smooth action might draw in gamers and casual users, the White Lotus's nuanced tactile feel and captivating illumination could appeal more to those focused on extended typing tasks. 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
37g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Durock White Lotus switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Lucky switch utilizes a nylon top housing—recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) in its top housing. This modification offers a unique and premium feel that may create an altogether different tactile experience and sound character compared to the nylon used in the Lucky. While both switches aim for sound quality, the materials used in the top housing suggest diverging sound profiles; the nylon is likely to result in a more muted and rounded sound compared to the potentially crisper acoustics from the modified PC and UPE blend.
On the other hand, the bottom housing for both the Lucky and the White Lotus switches is made from nylon. This commonality means that the bases of both switches share a similar acoustic profile—one characterized by deeper and fuller sound that absorbs vibrations effectively. As such, the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed down will be quite similar for each switch, as both will leverage the inherent sound-dampening qualities of nylon to produce a rounded and subdued acoustic output. This shared material allows for comparable performance in terms of key actuation feedback, ensuring that users may experience a familiar bottoming out sensation, regardless of the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the integration of these varying materials in the switches results in a nuanced difference in tactile feedback and sound. While the nylon bottom housings contribute a cohesive sound experience, the distinguishing characteristics of the top housings will deliver diverse auditory feedback upon key release. Therefore, while both switches may provide similar bottom-out experiences, the difference in top housing material—nylon for the Lucky and a modified PC and UPE blend for the White Lotus—introduces unique sonic profiles that can influence user preference based on the auditory qualities they seek in a mechanical switch.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced effort. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. While both provide tactile feedback at different force levels, the White Lotus leans towards a medium-light feel, making it a better choice for users seeking more resistance. Ultimately, if you're looking for an easier keystroke, the HMX Lucky is the better option due to its lighter forces, while the Durock White Lotus is ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The HMX Lucky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch measures at 4.0 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the White Lotus switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those who favor responsiveness may lean towards the HMX Lucky, while those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation may find the Durock White Lotus to be more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 comparing the sound characteristics of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the differences become clear. The HMX Lucky switch, known for its softer nylon housing, typically produces a more muted and subdued sound profile that aligns well with the expectations for a linear switch. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound that strikes a balance between being bass-heavy and mellow. The neutral sound signature makes it versatile, suitable for both home and work environments without being overly intrusive. However, the ultimate sound experience is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard’s build and the keycap materials, so the actual auditory experience may vary for both switches based on the overall setup.
Feel-wise, the Lucky switch presents a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience, designed to be gentle on the fingers with its soft housing. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus excels in its light, tactile design, which not only features an easy-to-press mechanism but also has a mild and subtle resistance that contributes to a comfortable typing experience. The gentle actuation force means prolonged typing sessions are less fatiguing, while the tactile feedback remains understated to avoid overwhelming the user. Thus, while the Lucky switch offers a smooth, linear feel, the White Lotus provides a delicate tactility that many find pleasant for extended use.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Lucky emphasizes a soft, unassuming sound and a smooth linear feel, making it highly suitable for users who prefer a quiet experience. The White Lotus, in contrast, combines low-pitched sound with a light tactile feel that enhances typing comfort, particularly for those who type for longer durations. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, users can find satisfaction in either switch, knowing that both bring an enjoyable quality to the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch fundamentally hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a typing experience that is neutral and deeply satisfying, the HMX Lucky switch may be your ideal choice. With its lower actuation force of 43 grams, it can offer a swift and effortless keystroke, perfect for gaming or brisk typing where speed is of the essence. Conversely, if you seek a more tactile experience that provides a balanced feedback without being overwhelming, the Durock White Lotus switch could be the way to go. Its medium-light actuation force of 56 grams, combined with a light tactile bump, makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, enhancing comfort while maintaining an engaging feel. Additionally, if you are keen on vibrant RGB lighting and want to create an aesthetically pleasing setup, the White Lotus's removable light column will satisfy that desire. Ultimately, consider your usage scenario—whether you are leaning towards gaming or extensive typing work—and select the switch that complements your style and needs.
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