Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White

Overview

The Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different features and advantages. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, providing a pleasurable typing experience with reduced wobbling. With a substantial 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series is designed for delicate typists, boasting an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g. This ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes, perfect for those who type lightly. The switch is also equipped with a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter RGB lighting, and offers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences; however, let's delve deeper into their specific qualities to determine the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches exhibit both similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer durability and a translucent appearance suitable for RGB lighting, the Black Lotus's blend may impart a distinct feel, while the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate introduces a specific sound characteristic.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality is shared by both the Black Lotus and the G Pro 3.0 White, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in defining the overall sound profile. The nylon material of the bottom housing contributes to the switch's acoustic properties, enhancing the typing experience with a more substantial and satisfying sound.

Overall, while the top housing materials differ between the two switches, the qualities of the bottom housing remain the same. The Durock Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend creates a unique and premium feel, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch are impacted by the qualities of the bottom housing, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Despite the differences in material, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing combinations.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Black Lotus requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's lighter actuation force of 38 grams. This means that the Black Lotus switch will require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus also has a higher value of 63.5 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's 45 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus switch will give a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to fully press down compared to the G Pro 3.0 White.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be the better choice as it has lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows for longer typing sessions without strain or fatigue. On the other hand, if someone prefers a heavier and more substantial feel when typing, the Black Lotus switch would be the ideal option. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel that some individuals may find more satisfying.

It is worth noting that both switches offer different experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. While the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter and better suited for extended periods of typing, the Black Lotus provides a heavier and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed down, as users will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Thus, in terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches, ensuring comparable results for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Black Lotus switch is not explicitly described, but based on its silky smooth feel and reduction of housing and stem wobble, it is likely to produce a subdued sound when pressed. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as having a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. This implies that it has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, it is important to remember that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as being silky, buttery, mild, and polished. This indicates that it offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience, with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The G Pro 3.0 White switch shares some similar descriptors, such as creamy, easy-to-press, mild, silky, and subtle. This suggests that it also provides a smooth and effortless typing sensation, with low-impact and gentle resistance during key presses. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that is approachable for most users.

Taking into account all the available information, it is clear that the Black Lotus and the G Pro 3.0 White switches have their own unique qualities. The Black Lotus offers a silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and a unique light column for in-switch lighting. It likely produces a subdued sound and provides a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is designed for delicate typists, with an incredibly light actuation force and a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting. It has a clacky sound profile and offers a creamy, easy-to-press, and subtle typing feel.

If you are looking for a switch with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Black Lotus would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a better fit. It is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting a switch. Ultimately, both switches are capable of providing a premium typing experience, albeit with slight differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, the Black Lotus with its bottom out force of 63.5 grams might be the right choice for you. It offers a silky smooth and precise typing experience, with reduced wobble and an optional removable light column for in-switch lighting.

On the other hand, if you're a delicate typist and prefer a lighter actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 White might be more suitable for you with its bottom out force of 45 grams. These switches provide effortless and sensitive keystrokes, making typing feel almost effortless. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback.

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus has not been specifically described, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the descriptions provided, the G Pro 3.0 White can be described as having a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound profile. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a sharper, crisper sound, the G Pro 3.0 White might be more suitable for you.

When it comes to the typing feel, the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. Both switches provide smooth and refined keystrokes, but the G Pro 3.0 White offers a wider range of descriptors, including a creamy sensation and easy-to-press keys.

In the end, the decision between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White ultimately depends on whether you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a medium-heavy feel and potential in-switch lighting (Black Lotus), or a lighter actuation force with a delicate and effortless typing experience (G Pro 3.0 White). Assess your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

Learn more