Durock Medium Tactile vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options to consider. The Medium Tactile switch is renowned for its balanced yet pronounced tactility, delivering a jelly-like sound signature that sets it apart. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch offers a deeper sound profile attributed to its full nylon housings, accompanied by a silky smooth feel and a delicate 42g actuation force. While the Medium Tactile switch falls under the categories of 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Swift switch is characterized by being 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Swift both use nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound absorption capabilities. This means that when typing on both switches, users can expect a similar level of tactile feedback and overall sound experience. However, the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the fuller sound produced by the Swift's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience for users who are sensitive to sound and prefer a specific audio profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Durock Medium Tactile offers a translucent appearance, making it ideal for users who want to showcase RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the HMX Swift provides a more classic and solid look without the translucency of the polycarbonate material. While both switches offer a similar level of functionality and performance, the choice between them may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, typing feel, and visual design. Additionally, the different materials used in the top and bottom housings of each switch may result in a unique overall typing experience that caters to different user preferences.
Overall, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Swift showcase the benefits of using nylon as a housing material for a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing sets it apart by offering a sharper and crisper sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a more distinct typing experience. Despite this difference, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with tactile feedback and customizable visual options, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate attention to detail in both sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Swift is the lighter of the two. The Durock Medium Tactile has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter in comparison. The difference in actuation force indicates that the Swift may provide a quicker typing response, while the Durock Medium Tactile may offer a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with some users preferring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and others opting for a heavier push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance based on their individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.9 mm travel distance of the HMX Swift switch. Both switches fall within a similar range of travel distances, with the Medium Tactile being slightly longer. The difference in travel distance may not be significant to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Medium Tactile switch may be more appealing. On the other hand, the Swift switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience but with slight variations in travel distance that may cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a balanced tactility with a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, delivering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on other factors such as keyboard case material and keycaps, each switch will offer a distinct sound experience to the user.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is recognized for its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics, offering a prominent yet smooth tactility that is not overwhelming. This switch provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users seeking a comfortable and refined feel. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch is noted for its easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy attributes, delivering a light actuation force with a silky smooth sensation. Users can expect effortless typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue when using the Swift switch.
Overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile and HMX Swift switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience tailored to individual preferences. The Medium Tactile excels in balanced tactility and jelly-like sound, while the Swift stands out with its deep sound profile and silky smoothness. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and gaming needs. However, it's important to note that the results may still be similar in terms of overall typing experience if paired with a compatible keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Swift switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and appreciate a silky smooth feel with a deeper sound profile due to full nylon housings, then the HMX Swift switch may be more to your liking. Both switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience.
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