Durock Black Lotus vs. Kailh Box White V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box White V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options are the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box White V2. The Durock Black Lotus is a linear switch celebrated for its silky, buttery feel and mild actuation, which provides a smooth typing experience with minimal noise and a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Its design minimizes housing and stem wobble, making every keystroke feel precise and satisfying, while the unique light column enables customizable in-switch lighting that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 is all about crisp feedback and auditory cues; this clicky switch offers a pronounced tactile response accompanied by a distinctive audible "click," making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more traditional typing experience and clear, satisfying confirmations for each keystroke. Choosing between these two switches ultimately boils down to whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience or a more tactile, audible engagement. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box White V2, it becomes evident that both switches utilize a common bottom housing material—nylon—while differing notably in their top housing compositions. The Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing, which aims to create a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Box White V2 utilizes a stiffer polycarbonate sole for its top housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's inherent rigidity. This distinction in sound characteristics suggests that while both switches can offer satisfying tactile experiences, the Black Lotus may afford a softer touch paired with a more premium tactile response, whereas the Box White V2 will deliver a sharper type feel and more defined sound.
Both switches, however, share the same nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for its acoustic properties. As both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, they produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound energy compared to harder materials, ultimately leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This similarity in bottom housing ensures that users will likely feel similar acoustic results when bottoming out, despite any differences portrayed by the variations in top housing materials. Therefore, while the Black Lotus emphasizes a modified blend for a premium feel in its top housing, the Box White V2 focuses on a sharper sound profile, yet both will yield a comparable sound experience when pressed down.
As the top and bottom housings contribute dissimilarly to the sound and feel of each switch, the impact of their materials will come through distinctly during usage. When a user engages either switch, they will experience the nylon bottom housing's muted and rich auditory characteristics while bottoming out. Meanwhile, the tactile and aural feedback upon releasing the key will depend heavily on the respective top housings. For the Durock Black Lotus, the combination of PC and UPE allows for a refined, softer sound when releasing, while the Kailh Box White V2 will produce a clearer and more resonant sound due to its pure polycarbonate make. In summary, despite the various materials utilized, the essential sound profiles and tactile experiences from both switches create opportunities for users to find satisfaction according to their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch with a 55-gram actuation force and a 63.5-gram bottom out force to the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, which has a lighter 45-gram actuation force and a 50-gram bottom out force, we see a distinct contrast in weight and feel. The Black Lotus switch is categorized as medium-heavy, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for long gaming sessions or extended work periods. In contrast, the Box White V2’s lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for quicker keystrokes, providing ease of use and potentially reducing fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. Consequently, users who favor a lighter touch may find the Box White V2 more comfortable, while those who appreciate the feedback from a heavier key press might lean towards the Black Lotus. Both switches, differing significantly in weight, cater to different preferences in typing style and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, a notable difference is evident. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional length and might appeal to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the Box White V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more suited for those who prefer quicker, more responsive presses—often favored by gamers. Thus, if you opt for the Black Lotus, you'll experience a more pronounced depth with each key press, while the Kailh switch offers a snappier feel. Ultimately, the Black Lotus is the longer switch and offers a more substantial travel, while the Box White V2 provides a shorter, more rapid response.
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 V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 generally quieter, providing a subdued and smooth auditory experience that emphasizes the tactile qualities of the keystroke without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is renowned for its distinct, sharp click sound, which offers an audible feedback that many typists find satisfying and engaging. This clicky characteristic highlights its tactile nature and makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory cue while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus offers a remarkable typing experience characterized by a silky smooth texture, enhanced by a buttery sensation during keystrokes; this provides an effortless and nearly frictionless press with mild resistance ideal for long typing sessions. Users can appreciate the polished finish of the switch, which minimizes friction and enhances the overall typing flow. Conversely, the Kailh Box White V2, while less explicitly detailed in its feel, is also designed to offer a satisfying tactile sensation. However, the intrinsic clickiness of the Box White V2 may not provide the same fluidity that linear switches like the Black Lotus showcase, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile feedback with a visible and audible response.
In conclusion, both switches present unique qualities suitable for different preferences. The Durock Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience, perfect for those who favor silence and fluidity. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 offers an engaging clicking sound and tactile feedback that caters to users who appreciate auditory and tactile responses while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on whether one prefers a linear, smooth experience or a clicky, tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch largely depends on your preferred typing experience and the tasks you intend to use your keyboard for. If you value a smooth and refined typing experience, particularly when typing for extended periods or engaging in gaming that requires precision, the Durock Black Lotus, with its silky and polished feel along with a moderate actuation force, is an excellent option. Its minimal wobble and refined mechanics cater to both performance and comfort. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the auditory cue of a click with each keystroke—for typing, gaming, or even programming—the Kailh Box White V2 is your go-to choice. The lighter actuation force and crisp click not only provide an engaging typing experience but also make line detection clearer, benefiting those who appreciate an audible confirmation for each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a smooth and quieter operation typical of linear switches or the more pronounced tactile and audible feedback offered by clicky switches.
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