Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Oil King

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Oil King, both of which are linear switches. The Black Lotus is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a favorite amongst typists who value a refined typing experience. With reduced housing and stem wobble, these switches provide maximum typing pleasure. The 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and not too hefty. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a unique removable light column for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out with its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. With its low-pitched and creamy characteristics, this switch offers a delightful typing experience. The Black Lotus and the Oil King both share qualities such as a polished finish and a buttery feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Oil King Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Oil King switches differ in composition but both contribute to an enhanced typing experience. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This combination of materials not only gives the switch a distinctive tactile response but also adds to its durability and longevity. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a softer plastic feel. This allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different tactile and auditory characteristics.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Black Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing, which shares similar properties to its top housing. This combination further enhances the typing experience by creating a rounder and duller sound during key bottom-out. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a more pleasant auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the Oil King utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This unique blend is designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The resulting sound is often described as clacky, which can be satisfying for users seeking a distinct auditory feedback when pressing a key. Thus, the bottom housings of both switches cater to different preferences, with the Black Lotus offering a rounder sound and the Oil King delivering a clackier sound.

In terms of functionality, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in each switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even though the Black Lotus and the Oil King may have differences in housing materials, the resulting typing experience can be similar due to the combination of the two housings. Both switches are designed to enhance the auditory feedback and overall satisfaction for typists, although they achieve this through slightly different means. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences regarding the feel and sound profile desired while typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Oil King has a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams.

In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, both the Black Lotus and the Oil King fall under the category of medium-heavy switches.

While the actuation forces are the same for both switches, the slight difference in bottom out force indicates that the Gateron Oil King is slightly heavier in terms of pressing all the way down. However, the difference is relatively small, so for individuals seeking a similar typing experience, both switches would provide comparable results.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you'll experience the same distance of travel with both switches. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Oil King, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific description provided. However, the Gateron Oil King switch is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that the Oil King switch produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

When it comes to feel, both the Black Lotus and Oil King switches share several descriptors. Both switches are described as silky, buttery, and polished, suggesting a smooth and refined typing experience. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing feel, enhance overall smoothness, minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, and provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are also described as mild, which means they offer a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users.

Based on the available information, the Black Lotus and Oil King switches have similar qualities in terms of feel. Although specific sound characteristics for the Black Lotus are unknown, the Oil King is noted for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. It is important to remember that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making them excellent choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards looking for a pleasant typing feel and potentially deeper, bass-heavy sound.

Conclusion

In closing, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is an excellent choice if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. These switches minimize housing and stem wobble, providing maximum typing pleasure. The 55g actuation weight offers a substantial feel without being too hefty, and the unique light column provides customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is perfect if you prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound profile resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. These switches also offer a buttery smoothness that ensures a seamless and effortless typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Black Lotus and the Oil King will depend on your preferences for weight, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Oil King Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more