Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Luciola are two popular options to consider. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making typing a delight with reduced wobble. With a substantial 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between heaviness and lightness. Additionally, the unique removable light column provides in-switch lighting, adding a touch of customization. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. With a medium heft, it offers a smooth and slightly bouncy typing feel. Its distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile adds an interesting audio element. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Luciola switches differ in both their top and bottom housings. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. Both top housings aim to provide a unique and premium feel, but the Black Lotus emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Luciola offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound. While there are differences in sound characteristics, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Black Lotus incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. While the INK blend also produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched clacky sound, it offers a slightly different sound profile compared to the Black Lotus due to its distinct composition.

Considering the impact of each housing material, it's important to note that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. This means that the choice of housing material in the bottom housing is crucial in determining the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, whether it's the Black Lotus or the Luciola, the choice of top and bottom housing materials will contribute to the overall feel and sound profile of the switch. While there are differences in their respective materials, both switches strive to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 55 grams, providing a consistent feel when triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction. The Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which creates a slightly heavier typing experience, giving a more substantial push feel. On the other hand, the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Black Lotus.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Luciola as it allows for typing for longer periods without fatigue. This lighter weight is particularly suitable for keyboards used for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more tangible typing experience, the Black Lotus with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice.

Ultimately, both switches offer a medium actuation force of 55 grams, allowing for consistent typing responses. However, the Black Lotus provides a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Luciola offers a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. So, depending on personal preferences and desired typing experience, individuals can choose between the two switches to achieve similar or distinct results.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Black Lotus falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a depth that many users are familiar with. On the other hand, the Luciola provides a slightly shallower travel distance, which might appeal more to gamers who prioritize faster response times. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more robust keystroke, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus linear switch doesn't have a specific descriptor mentioned in the information provided. However, considering its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, it is likely to produce a quiet and consistent typing sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a variety of sound profiles. It can be described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed; chirpy, adding a unique squeak to the typing experience; marbly, offering a resonant and high-pitched sound similar to tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding; or high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound. Depending on personal preference, the Luciola switch can cater to different sound preferences. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It can also be described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These qualities contribute to a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Black Lotus switch is mentioned to have a mild feel, indicating that it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of this switch further enhances the smoothness and refinement of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a snappy feel, which suggests a highly responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is likely due to longer or dual-staged springs, adding a liveliness to the typing feel. Similar to the Black Lotus, the Luciola switch is also described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Luciola linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus switch provides a silky smooth feel with a likely quiet and consistent typing sound. It is suitable for those looking for a refined and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers various sound profiles, providing options for different sound preferences. Its feel is snappy, delivering a highly responsive typing experience, while still maintaining smoothness and polish. Both switches have polished finishes, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps for the ultimate typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is the one for you. With its substantial 55g actuation weight and reduced housing and stem wobble, typing on these switches will be a pleasure. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired. However, if you are more interested in eye-catching switches that glow in the dark and offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the better choice. These switches also have a hollow sound profile that adds a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus does not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Luciola is described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. As for feel, the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, while the Luciola is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, typing feel, sound, and visual aesthetics.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more