HMX Twilight vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Twilight and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Twilight and Durock White Lotus stand out as two distinctive options catering to different preferences. The HMX Twilight, a linear switch, boasts an extended 3.85mm travel distance, allowing for a smoother, quieter typing experience while still preserving that characteristic clacky sound that HMX switches are known for. This makes it an appealing choice for gamers and typists seeking a responsive feel without the distraction of louder keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a delicate tactile feel designed specifically for long typing sessions. With its light tactility and a removable light column that enhances RGB lighting, the White Lotus delivers a serene typing experience that won’t overwhelm the fingertips, making it ideal for office environments and prolonged use. Both switches have their unique merits—whether you prefer the subtlety and aesthetics of the White Lotus or the smoothness and clack of the Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Twilight and the Durock White Lotus switches utilize differing materials for their top housings, showcasing contrasting approaches to sound and feel in switch design. The Twilight's top housing is constructed from nylon, a classic and time-tested material known for its softer properties. This softer plastic construction contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing. This innovative combination aims to provide a unique and premium feel, suggesting that while it might not offer the same warmth in sound as the nylon, it is engineered to enhance tactile feedback and overall performance in a different manner.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches align closely, utilizing nylon in their designs. This consistency in material choice means that regardless of the differences at the top, the two switches are likely to produce similar sound qualities when the key is bottomed out. The presence of nylon in both the Twilight and White Lotus bottom housings ensures that the auditory experience during this phase remains deeper and rounder due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, users can expect compatible performance in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, creating a sense of continuity across both switch models.
Overall, the duality in materials between the top and bottom housings of these switches indicates that users seeking specific auditory and tactile experiences may find their preferences influenced by the switch they choose. With the HMX Twilight favoring a classic nylon construction throughout, it may appeal to those prioritizing sound absorption and a consistent auditory profile. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus, with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, offers a unique tactile experience that could cater to users looking for more variety in the switch feel while still benefitting from the noise-dampening properties of nylon in the bottom housing. This nuanced distinction allows for personalization in user experience while underlying similarities in material choice enhance the overall typing experience across both options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, affecting user experience. The HMX Twilight features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction means that users who favor a lighter switch might find the Twilight preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for easier key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial and responsive feel may lean towards the White Lotus for its higher resistance. Ultimately, while both switches provide a unique experience, the Twilight appeals to those favoring lighter touch and longer durations of use, while the White Lotus caters to users who enjoy a bit more pushback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the HMX Twilight measures 3.85 mm, while the Durock White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the White Lotus will provide a more pronounced depth with each keypress, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the HMX Twilight caters to users seeking a quicker response, making it particularly suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance offers an advantage, whereas the tactile feedback of the White Lotus with its 4 mm travel may provide a more fulfilling typing experience for those who appreciate deeper keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 Twilight linear switch is designed to produce a slightly quieter tone with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which allows for a smooth and gradual engagement without overwhelming auditory feedback. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a sound profile that can be characterized as low-pitched and neutral. This combination lends itself to a mellower sound experience, making it versatile enough for various environments—be it work or home. While both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, the Twilight leans more towards the signature clacky sound that is typical of HMX switches, albeit in a subdued manner.
In terms of tactile feel, the HMX Twilight is recognized for its linear characteristics, which means it offers a smooth keypress without any tactile bump or feedback during activation, allowing for a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is hailed for its easy-to-press action, which requires minimal force to activate and provides a gentle resistance. This makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions where user comfort is paramount. The White Lotus switches also provide a mild tactile feedback that ensures a soft typing experience without being too pronounced, making it approachable for both novice and experienced typists alike.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Twilight linear and Durock White Lotus tactile switches provide distinct typing experiences, the Twilight focuses on a quieter, smooth linear action, while the White Lotus enriches its profile with easy actuation and mild tactile feedback. If you're looking for a quieter experience with pronounced sound characteristics, the Twilight would suit you well. However, if comfort during extensive use and a more subdued sound profile are priorities, the White Lotus emerges as an excellent choice. Ultimately, both switches can offer fulfilling results based on your preferences, and your choice should align with the typing experience you wish to cultivate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are seeking a lighter switch with a longer travel distance that offers a quieter typing experience while still delivering that satisfying clack, the Twilight is an excellent option for you. The softer bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it perfect for rapid typing and gaming sessions where speed is key. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback and plan to engage in extended typing sessions—perhaps for work or writing—the White Lotus will be your go-to switch. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 56 grams strikes a balance, providing just enough resistance to keep your fingers engaged without causing fatigue. Additionally, the low-pitched and neutral sound profile of the White Lotus makes it suitable for shared environments, allowing you to type without disturbing those around you. Therefore, consider your typing style, the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard, and whether you prefer a linear feel or a tactility that enhances your typing experience when making your choice.
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