Durock Black Lotus vs. Everglide Crystal Violet

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that boasts a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, it offers maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight provides a substantial, yet not too hefty, typing experience. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique light column for in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that offers a relaxed and stepped typing experience. Crafted with a light operating force of 45g, it provides a gentle and comfortable feel. The switches also produce a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the rare use of ABS in their housings. While these general pointers highlight the key characteristics of each switch, let's delve deeper into their features to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches differ in both the top and bottom housings. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This material is not commonly used in switch housings, providing a distinct experience when typing. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing. While ABS is more commonly found in keycaps, it offers a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches, resulting in a satisfying typing experience.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Black Lotus employs a nylon material. This classic switch housing material enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Crystal Violet incorporates an ABS bottom housing. Similarly to the top housing, this material offers a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches, further contributing to an enjoyable typing experience.

While the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may give a unique and premium feel, while the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing offers a distinct low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile. Despite these variations, both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it becomes evident that they offer different experiences to typists. The Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Crystal Violet's 45 grams. This means that the Black Lotus requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Black Lotus also has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, compared to the Crystal Violet's 55 grams. Thus, when typing on the Black Lotus, typists will experience a more substantial and "heavier" feel compared to the Crystal Violet.

However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. This means that they offer a balance between typing experience and fatigue. Additionally, for those who prefer a lighter weight to their switches, the Crystal Violet may be the preferred choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without excessive strain or fatigue. On the other hand, for those who appreciate a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Black Lotus with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be the suitable option.

In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ, with the Black Lotus being heavier in both aspects. Therefore, the choice between the two switches would depend on an individual's preference for either a lighter or a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled. The travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be the industry standard and provides a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Crystal Violet, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is not explicitly described, so its sound profile is unknown based on the given information. However, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as having a pleasantly mellow sound that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also suggests that the switch has a gentle and approachable feel that would be suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped. This implies that the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It also suggests that the switch has a mild tactile bump, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes.

Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduced wobble for maximum typing pleasure. It has a 55g actuation weight, which is substantial but not too hefty. The switch also features a unique removable light column for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is meticulously crafted with a light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It offers a gentle and comfortable feel with a pleasantly mellow sound profile.

While the sound characteristics of the Black Lotus switch are unknown, the Crystal Violet switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound experience. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to a wide range of users. In terms of feel, the Black Lotus provides a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing sensation, while the Crystal Violet offers a creamy, mild, and stepped feel.

Based on the provided information, the Durock Black Lotus and Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. However, it's important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the ultimate choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, it is important to consider your preferences when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch. If you are someone who enjoys a slightly heavier actuation force and values a smooth and precise typing experience, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. With its silky smooth feel and reduced wobble, this switch offers maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, the unique light column provides customizable lighting options. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter operating force and desire a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Crystal Violet may be more suitable. With its light operating force of 45g and gentle and comfortable feel, this switch offers a pleasant and mellow sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight, feel, and sound. Consider your typing style and the characteristics that are most important to you to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more