HMX Perky vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Perky and Durock White Lotus represent two distinct approaches to switch design, catering to different user preferences. The Perky, known for its softer, glittery nylon housing, provides a linear typing experience that emphasizes smooth keystrokes and a condensed travel distance, making it perfect for those who favor a straightforward and satisfying type feel. In contrast, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed specifically for the discerning typist, offering a delicate feedback mechanism that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. This switch not only boasts a light tactility suitable for long work sessions but also features customizable RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic flair to your keyboard. Each switch has its unique strengths, appealing to a variety of users—from those who crave a silky-smooth linear action to those who appreciate the subtle feedback of tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Durock White Lotus switches exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their overall performance and sound profile. The Perky features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the White Lotus uses a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing. This combination aims to deliver a unique and premium typing feel, striking a balance between durability and acoustics. While the nylon of the Perky contributes to a warm sound profile, the PC and UPE blend of the White Lotus offers a different texture and resonance, making each switch distinct in its response during use.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is also known for promoting a fuller sound experience. This shared characteristic means that, despite the differences in materials for their top housings, both the Perky and the White Lotus benefit from a similar sound profile at the bottom level. The nylon used in both models ensures consistent absorption qualities that contribute to a duller sound when bottoming out, enhancing the overall user experience. This commonality allows enthusiasts to achieve a comparable auditory satisfaction, albeit with differing nuances due to the variations in top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differentiation in top housing material is significant, as it dictates the initial sound and tactile feedback upon releasing a key. The Durock White Lotus, with its modified PC and UPE blend, aims to provide a crisper feel, while the Perky leans into the warmer tones characteristic of nylon. Though both switches use nylon in their bottom housings, the overall experience when typing can differ due to the unique contributions of each housing material. Therefore, while both switches may facilitate a similar bottom-out sound, the distinctive properties of their top housings ensure that typists will experience different sensations and sound profiles, leading die-hard enthusiasts to prefer one over the other depending on their tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, aligning it more with users who favor a more substantial feel while typing. This makes the Perky the lighter option overall, while the White Lotus offers a moderate increase in force for those who appreciate a firmer push. Consequently, users looking for a softer touch with lower resistance would be more inclined toward the HMX Perky, whereas those who enjoy a bit of heft in their keystrokes might prefer the Durock White Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Perky features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Perky offers a shorter travel distance, which may cater to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience, especially beneficial for gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the White Lotus, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial feel and can appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Perky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch exhibit distinct characteristics. The Perky's sound profile is not specified, but being a linear switch, it generally provides a quieter typing experience compared to tactile or clicky switches, allowing for discreet use in any environment. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a low-pitched sound as well as a neutral tone, creating a sound that is mellow and suitable for both home and work settings. This means that while the Perky may offer a more subdued auditory feedback, the White Lotus delivers a pleasant yet unobtrusive sound, making them both viable options depending on the user’s preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Perky delivers a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience with a shorter travel distance, promoting a condensed typing experience, although specifics about its tactile characteristics are unknown. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches provide an easy-to-press experience that requires minimal force, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. Their mild and subtle tactile feedback offers a gentle typing experience, making them approachable for both beginner and experienced typists. This ensures that while the Perky may favor a direct and efficient feel, the White Lotus prioritizes comfort, making both switches suitable for different typing styles.
In conclusion, while the HMX Perky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch differ in specific qualities, they each cater to particular user preferences and typing environments. Both offer unique sensibilities in sound and feel; the Perky favors a linear typing experience and potentially muted sound, whereas the White Lotus emphasizes a mellow audio profile and gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal taste and intended use, but both can provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately hinges on your preferred typing experience and the environments in which you type. If you favor a light touch and a snappy, immediate response with a less pronounced sound profile, the HMX Perky is an excellent choice. It’s especially well-suited for fast-paced typing scenarios where a condensed travel distance and minimal resistance help you maintain speed without tiring your fingers too quickly. Conversely, if you appreciate a gentle tactile feedback that enhances your typing rhythm while still keeping it subtle enough for shared workspaces, the Durock White Lotus is your go-to. With a slightly higher actuation force, it strikes an optimal balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the low-pitched sound signature ensures a pleasant acoustic experience that won’t disrupt those around you. Therefore, consider your specific needs and preferences—whether you seek speed and lightness or tactile feedback and low impact—to determine which switch will elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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