Durock Black Lotus vs. Kailh Box White
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box White. The Black Lotus is a linear switch, known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It reduces housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial but not too hefty, this switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique removable light column, providing customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Box White is a clicky switch that offers maximum audio feedback. Typing on these switches gives you the satisfying sensation of stepping on autumn leaves, with a pronounced tactility. With its resonant and high-pitched sound, the Box White switch adds an enjoyable crunch to your typing experience. Both switches offer their unique advantages, allowing you to tailor your keyboard to your specific 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box White switches exhibit some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon plastic. This quality absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing, there is a notable contrast between the two switches. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend of plastics provides a different tactile experience, potentially offering a more satisfying and luxurious key press sensation compared to the Box White. On the other hand, the Box White features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
In terms of overall sound and feel, both switches will offer a deep and full sound due to their nylon bottom housings. However, the Durock Black Lotus may offer a more premium feel with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a different tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Kailh Box White's polycarbonate top housing will yield a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly suitable for users interested in showcasing RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and aesthetic requirements.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there is a slight difference in weight. The Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Box White's 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Black Lotus at 63.5 grams and the Box White at 60 grams. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Box White would be a suitable choice. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Black Lotus would be a better fit. Overall, while there is a slight variation in actuation forces, the bottom out forces of both switches provide a comparable result.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, we can see that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Box White has a shallower travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional travel distance for switches, while 3.6 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box White switch as it can provide faster response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. However, it's worth noting that both options offer a reasonable travel distance for comfortable typing or gaming experiences.
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 Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for providing a clean and sharp sound profile. While the specific sound descriptors for this switch are not provided, we can expect a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is described as producing a crunchy sound, resembling the sensation of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound when pressed, providing maximum audio feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences, with the Black Lotus providing a clean and sharp profile and the Box White offering a crunchier, autumn leaves-like sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is often described as silky, buttery, and polished. These terms indicate an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Black Lotus switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is also described as polished, highlighting its smooth and refined finish that provides reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a polished typing experience with minimal resistance and smoothness, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
To conclude, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus provides a clean and sharp sound profile, accompanied by a silky, buttery feel that enhances the smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Box White offers a crunchy sound similar to stepping on autumn leaves, with a polished feel that results in smooth key travel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, providing maximum audio feedback or a clean sound profile, and ensuring a comfortable and satisfying typing feel. Keep in mind that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. By considering the provided information, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when using these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus would be an excellent choice. It offers a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. The unique light column provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force, the Kailh Box White is a great option. It offers maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and an accented tactility when typing. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus is not specifically described, while the Box White is described as resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Black Lotus and Box White will depend on your preference for linear or clicky switches, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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