Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to personal preferences. One popular choice is the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch renowned for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision. This switch excels in reducing housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, the Black Lotus strikes a perfect balance between substantial feedback and effortless keystrokes. Additionally, its unique and fully removable light column provides in-switch lighting, adding a touch of customization to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Durock White Lotus offers an exquisite light tactile option that caters specifically to discerning typists. These switches strike the perfect balance between delicate tactility and comfortable extended typing sessions, without overwhelming the user. Similar to the Black Lotus, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. Both switches have their merits and offer a range of features for different typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock White Lotus, it is evident that they are essentially the same. Both switches feature a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives them a unique and premium feel. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound when you release a key, and this quality is shared by both the Black Lotus and the White Lotus. So, if you are looking for a similar tactile experience with a premium feel, both switches will provide similar results.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock White Lotus utilize a nylon material. Nylon has long been considered a classic switch housing material due to its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound with their nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the main difference between the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock White Lotus lies in their top housing, while their bottom housing is identical. The Black Lotus features a unique and premium feel due to its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which is also shared by the White Lotus. When it comes to the sound profile, both switches use the same nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound. So, whether you choose the Black Lotus or the White Lotus, you can expect a similar tactile experience with a premium feel and a similar sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, several differences can be observed. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the actuation force of the White Lotus is lighter at 46 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Black Lotus is heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the 56 grams bottom out force of the White Lotus. These variances in force result in distinct typing experiences. The Black Lotus provides a medium-heavy feel, requiring a stronger push to trigger keystrokes and a heavier force when bottoming out. Conversely, the White Lotus offers a medium-light sensation, requiring a lighter touch for actuation and a slightly gentler bottom out force. For individuals preferring a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, the White Lotus would be an ideal choice. However, those who desire a more substantial and forceful typing experience may opt for the Black Lotus. Overall, these switches cater to diverse preferences by offering distinct actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same experience. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black 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 Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is not explicitly described in the given information. However, based on its silky smooth feel and minimized wobble, it is likely to produce a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. This makes it a versatile option suitable for various environments, whether at home or work. The Durock White Lotus tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a mellow and bass-heavy tone, which is moderate in volume and suitable for shared spaces. Both switches offer pleasant and unobtrusive sound experiences, allowing for a tranquil and immersive typing atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These characteristics indicate that it offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The keys will glide effortlessly and uniformly, minimizing resistance and providing a comfortable typing sensation. The Durock White Lotus tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These qualities suggest that it offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches provide a pleasurable and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer excellent subjective qualities for different preferences. While the Black Lotus emphasizes a smooth and refined typing experience, the White Lotus strikes a balance between delicate tactility and user comfort. Although the sound descriptions of the Black Lotus are not provided, it is reasonable to expect a low-pitched and neutral sound profile similar to the White Lotus. Therefore, regardless of the specific choice, both switches guarantee a pleasant and immersive typing experience, making them suitable options for a wide range of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is an excellent choice if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel. These switches are known for their unparalleled precision and reduced wobble, providing a maximum typing pleasure. With a substantial 55g actuation weight, the Black Lotus offers a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the unique light column adds in-switch lighting and can be fully removed.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is perfect for those who want a medium-light bottom out force and a delicate tactile feel. These switches strike the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. With a removable light column, the White Lotus switches allow for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. The tranquil typing experience of the White Lotus switches is enhanced by their mesmerizing radiance.
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus provides a sound that is not explicitly described, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus offers a selection of descriptors, including silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These qualities contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The White Lotus, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These characteristics make the White Lotus switches easy to activate with minimal force, providing a low-impact and comfortable typing feel that reduces finger fatigue.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, feel, and sound. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy or medium-light bottom out force, and whether you value a silky smooth or delicate tactile feel. Additionally, think about whether you prefer a switch with a unique light column or one that offers captivating RGB lighting effects.
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