Cherry MX Black vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options in the market are the Cherry MX Black and the Durock White Lotus. While they both offer a unique typing experience, they differ in key aspects. The MX Black, known for its iconic status, has further perfected its switches with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. These linear switches provide a classic textured smoothness while producing a deep sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a low-pitched, textured, and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches by Durock are designed with the discerning typist in mind. These tactile switches strike the perfect balance between delicate tactility and ease of pressing, making them suitable for both work and extended typing sessions. They also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Durock White Lotus switches exhibit some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches, with the nylon housing contributing to the overall sound quality.
Where the MX Black and White Lotus differ is in their additional housing materials. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, while the White Lotus employs a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. This modified blend adds a unique and premium feel to the White Lotus switch. While the specific impact on sound is not explicitly mentioned, it can be presumed that the modified blend may alter the sound profile slightly compared to the MX Black. The difference in housing material could contribute to a distinct typing experience, resulting in a preference for either switch based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both switches share the same nylon construction. As mentioned earlier, the characteristics of nylon, such as its softness and sound absorption properties, will directly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in this aspect regardless of whether they choose the MX Black or the White Lotus. The bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, providing a consistent and comparable tactile response in both switches.
In summary, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and Durock White Lotus switches share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a consistent typing experience with deeper and fuller sound profiles. The main difference lies in the top housing material, with the MX Black employing pure nylon and the White Lotus incorporating a modified PC & UPE Blend. This variation may result in a unique and premium feel for the White Lotus and potentially a slightly different sound profile. However, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on either switch due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The MX Black has a comparatively heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, resulting in a more medium-light typing feel.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus would be a suitable choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing periods without excessive fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who spend long hours typing at work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, the MX Black switch caters to those who seek a stronger and more substantial push feel while typing, as the heavy actuation and bottom out forces deliver a satisfying tactile response.
Despite these differences, it is worth noting that both switches offer a distinct experience. While the MX Black provides a heavy and forceful typing sensation, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the White Lotus offer a smoother and more effortless keystroke. Thus, depending on personal preference and intended usage, individuals can achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and efficiency with either switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience, and comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch reveals some similarities. Both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a comparable tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches, ensuring consistent typing experiences for users who choose either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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, both the Cherry MX Black and the Durock White Lotus switches are low-pitched, meaning they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound profile of the MX Black is described as deep, providing a familiar typing experience. The White Lotus, on the other hand, is described as having a moderate sound profile, which is suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the MX Black switch is characterized as textured and stiff. The textured nature of the switch creates noticeable friction when pressed, which some users might prefer for a more tactile feel. Additionally, the MX Black requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a more strenuous typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch is also described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle and low-impact typing feel that is approachable to most users. Its characteristics fall within a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Considering the available information, both the Cherry MX Black and the Durock White Lotus switches have their own unique qualities. The MX Black offers a deep sound profile with a textured and stiff feel, providing a classic typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch provides a delicate tactility, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the sound of both switches is described as low-pitched, the White Lotus switch has a more moderate sound profile compared to the MX Black. In terms of feel, the MX Black is more textured and requires higher actuation force, while the White Lotus is easy-to-press and offers a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are in search of a heavy switch with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their smooth texture and iconic feel, making them a favorite among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a delicate tactile feedback, the Durock White Lotus is the perfect choice. These switches strike a balance between tactility and ease of use, making them ideal for work and longer typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches offer the added bonus of customizable RGB lighting effects, adding a touch of visual flair to your keyboard setup. So, depending on your preference for force and feel, you can choose between the MX Black for a heavy linear experience or the White Lotus for a light tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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