Durock Black Lotus vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the Keygeek Briny stand out as compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each offering a distinct experience. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and extraordinary precision, boasting a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. Its innovative design features a unique light column that facilitates in-switch lighting and can be easily removed, enhancing customization options for users. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny delivers a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, catering to those who appreciate auditory feedback without compromising on performance. While both switches provide a satisfying linear experience, their differences in tactile feel and acoustic properties cater to varying user 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Keygeek Briny switches present a fascinating comparison, particularly in their top housing configurations. The Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-heat-resistant polyether (UPE), which is designed to offer a unique and premium feel when typing. This composition is intended to provide a robust and resilient structure, which is generally associated with more rewarding tactile feedback during keypresses. In contrast, the Briny utilizes traditional nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for its softer texture. This difference in materials suggests that while both switches can offer a solid typing experience, the Black Lotus may provide a more engaging tactile feedback due to its combination of premium synthetic materials.
On the bottom housing front, both the Durock Black Lotus and Keygeek Briny switches employ nylon. This choice means that the two switches share a core characteristic that significantly affects their acoustic profiles: the inherent softness of nylon. It absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As such, regardless of their differing top housing materials, both switches are likely to produce a comparable sound profile when typing, thanks to the nylon bottom. This mutual characteristic emphasizes how materials can influence the acoustic properties of keyboard switches, ultimately resulting in a rounder, less harsh sound when key presses are released.
In summary, while the Durock Black Lotus and Keygeek Briny switches differ in their top housing materials—with the Black Lotus opting for a modified blend designed for a more premium tactile sensation and the Briny using classic nylon—the usage of nylon for both switches' bottom housings unifies their sound profiles. This configuration allows users to experience similar auditory characteristics during typing, with each switch exhibiting a rich sound that benefits from the noise-reducing properties of nylon. Ultimately, the differences in top housing may cater to distinct preferences in typing feel, but the shared bottom housing composition ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying and harmonious acoustic experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Briny's 50 grams, making the Briny the lighter option for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience during extended use, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Black Lotus is also higher at 63.5 grams, while the Briny's is 60 grams, reinforcing the Briny's lighter overall feel. Therefore, typists who enjoy a more substantial push sensation will likely gravitate toward the Black Lotus, while those seeking comfort and ease over long durations may opt for the Briny. Overall, if a typing experience with less fatigue is desired, the Keygeek Briny linear switch presents a more inviting choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper key presses, providing users with a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Briny comes in at a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times and more immediate feedback. While both switches deliver linear movement, the Black Lotus will feel more profound and might appeal to those who appreciate a hearty depth in their key presses. Alternatively, the Briny’s shorter travel distance may be favored by users who prioritize speed and rapid keystrokes. Therefore, for those who prefer a more responsive experience, the Briny is the better choice, while the Black Lotus caters to those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel with a longer travel distance.
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 switch is known for its pleasing and refined acoustic profile, contributing to a satisfying auditory experience during typing. While the specific sound characteristics of the Black Lotus are not detailed, it is expected to provide a balanced and pleasant sound, conducive to an enjoyable typing environment. The Keygeek Briny switch, on the other hand, features a balanced sound profile attributed to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This combination likely produces a clean and controlled sound, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios without being overly loud or muted. It's important to note that the actual sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard build, switch mounting style, and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch excels with its silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. A silky switch ensures an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance, while the buttery quality denotes a fluid keystroke with seamless keypress transitions. The mild properties of the switch provide an approachable typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and long typing sessions. Lastly, the polished feel suggests reduced friction and refined key travel due to high-quality materials or factory lubing. The subjective feel of the Keygeek Briny switch has not been detailed, leaving that aspect of the experience uncertain.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Keygeek Briny switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus stands out with its exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, combined with a pleasant sound profile, making it appealing for users who prioritize these attributes. In contrast, the Briny's balanced sound profile makes it versatile for various uses; however, details about its feel remain unknown. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences, but those who appreciate the silky and buttery nature of the Black Lotus can expect a very high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a silky smooth feel and an exceptional level of precision in your key presses, the Black Lotus would be an ideal choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides just the right amount of resistance for a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Additionally, the removable light column feature allows for customizable lighting effects, which can enhance your keyboard's aesthetics. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced sound profile along with a slightly lighter actuation force of 55g, the Briny could be more suited to your needs. The use of UPE stems and pure PA66 housing contributes to a more approachable typing experience, perfect for those who prefer clarity without overwhelming tactile resistance. In essence, choose the Black Lotus for a luxurious, polished typing feel, and go with the Briny if you prefer a more moderate, balanced switch that still delivers on sound and performance.
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