HMX Swift vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, both have their own unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Swift is known for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, along with a delicate 42g actuation force that makes typing a breeze. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus provides a light tactile feel that is perfect for extended typing sessions, with a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. While the Swift offers a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the White Lotus is more subtle and low-pitched. 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
42g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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 spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the Durock White Lotus, both switches feature nylon top housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that typing on both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the White Lotus also utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend for its top housing, which may offer a unique and premium feel compared to the Swift.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Swift and the White Lotus feature nylon materials. Once again, nylon is favored for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on both switches likely to produce a similar typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent between the two switches due to their shared material. This similarity in bottom housing material further suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience when using either the Swift or the White Lotus.
While both the HMX Swift and the Durock White Lotus share nylon as their bottom housing material, the White Lotus sets itself apart with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing. This unique material composition may offer a different typing experience in terms of sound and feel compared to the Swift. The blend of PC and UPE may provide a premium feel to the White Lotus switch, potentially enhancing the overall typing experience for users who prefer a switch with a distinct sound profile. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for the type of sound and feel one desires while typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Swift is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams compared to the White Lotus' 46 grams, and a bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus' 56 grams. This means that the Swift requires a lighter touch to actuate and bottom out, making it ideal for those who prefer a more delicate typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer similar results in terms of force required for typing, with the Swift being lighter and the White Lotus being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9mm, slightly shorter than the 4mm travel distance of the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances but offer slightly different tactile experiences. The Swift may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, while the White Lotus may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper keypress sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming. Overall, while one is slightly shorter and the other slightly longer, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their close travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
The HMX Swift linear switch is revered for its unique deep sound profile, setting it apart from the typically brighter sound signature of HMX switches. The Swift's silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force contribute to a pleasant typing experience with a softer, more muted sound compared to other linear switches. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is not overwhelming to the user. With a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, the White Lotus switches are ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, and the removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects.
When it comes to feel, both the HMX Swift and Durock White Lotus switches offer an easy-to-press typing experience with gentle resistance and light actuation force. The Swift is described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the White Lotus is characterized as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches maintain a light typing feel and are suitable for extended use without causing discomfort.
In conclusion, while the HMX Swift linear switch and Durock White Lotus tactile switch have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a deeper, smoother sound profile with a feather-light touch like the Swift or a low-pitched, neutral sound with a mild and subtle feel like the White Lotus, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and light linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift switches with their 50g bottom out force and clacky sound might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactile typing experience with a medium-light 56g bottom out force and low-pitched sound, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a balance between tactility and smoothness. Ultimately, your choice between the HMX Swift and Durock White Lotus switches will depend on whether you prioritize linear switches with a deeper sound profile or tactile switches with a subtle tactility and luminous RGB lighting effects.
Mentioned in this article
