Durock Black Lotus vs. Kailh Box Royal

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options available to suit different preferences and typing styles. Two popular choices for enthusiasts are the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box Royal. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It offers a satisfying typing experience with reduced housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum pleasure while typing. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a good balance of being substantial without being too hefty. Additionally, its unique removable light column provides in-switch lighting, adding a touch of customization. On the other hand, the Box Royal is a tactile switch that is widely regarded as one of the most tactile options available. If you prefer an almost aggressive tactility, the Box Royal is perfect for you. Its sharp, binary tactility provides a satisfying feedback with every keypress, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box Royal switches differ in their composition. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Black Lotus switch provides a unique and premium feel, suggesting a robust and durable construction. On the other hand, the Box Royal's nylon top housing is known for its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches share the use of nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Both the Black Lotus and the Box Royal benefit from the nylon bottom housing, as it contributes to a rounder and duller sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience. However, it is worth noting that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the impact of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key.

While the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box Royal differ in their top housing materials, both switches offer a premium feel and contribute to a fuller sound profile. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Black Lotus may provide a slightly different tactile experience compared to the softer nylon top housing of the Box Royal. However, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their housing materials, ensuring users enjoy a satisfying and premium feel with every keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Box Royal requires 45 grams. This means that the Box Royal is lighter in terms of actuation force, providing a lighter touch when triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Black Lotus has a higher force at 63.5 grams compared to the Box Royal's 70 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus offers a slightly heavier touch when fully pressing down a key.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Royal would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation force. This would be advantageous for tasks that require prolonged typing, such as office work or longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and satisfying typing experience may opt for the Black Lotus, as its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel.

Overall, while the Black Lotus is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range. Therefore, regardless of the option chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4 mm, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have different travel distances, with the Black Lotus having a slightly longer distance. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.6 mm is on the shallower side. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Kailh Box Royal with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feel, the Durock Black Lotus with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus is well-regarded for its sound profile, which is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. The Kailh Box Royal, on the other hand, is known for its high-pitched sound. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them a great choice for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Box Royal, in contrast, is characterized as having a sharp tactile bump. This means that the switch provides a high feedback intensity, with a distinct and strong tactile bump felt with each keypress.

Considering all the available information, the Durock Black Lotus and Kailh Box Royal switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Black Lotus is known for its smooth and refined typing experience, with a focus on minimizing wobble and providing a comfortable actuation weight. On the other hand, the Box Royal excels in providing a highly tactile typing experience with its sharp and crisp feedback. While the sound profile of the Black Lotus is unspecified, the Box Royal is described as having a higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference regarding the desired level of tactile feedback, smoothness, and sound profile.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're in search of a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus and Kailh Box Royal are both great options to consider. The Black Lotus stands out for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, reducing wobble for a satisfying typing experience. It also has a unique light column for customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with an aggressive tactility, the Box Royal is a perfect choice. Its sharp and binary tactile bump provides a distinct feedback with each and every keypress. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal delivers a sharp and crisp sound. However, if you appreciate a buttery, mild, polished, and overall smooth typing experience, the Black Lotus is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and level of tactility desired. So, make sure to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more