Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Dolphin stand out as two excellent options to consider. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that offers a silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and a 55g actuation weight, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dolphin is also a linear switch but is known for its silent operation, making it perfect for quieter environments. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a balance between precision and resistance. Both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences, with the Black Lotus offering in-switch lighting and the Dolphin providing a low-pitched sound profile. Although these general pointers can guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you determine the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Dolphin, the Black Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials provide a high-quality finish, the Black Lotus's housing material may offer a different tactile experience compared to the Dolphin due to the blend of PC and UPE materials.
The bottom housing of both the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Dolphin is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share this common housing material, showcasing similar sound characteristics in terms of depth and resonance. The nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience with a satisfying sound feedback.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Dolphin contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the Black Lotus features a mix of PC and UPE in the top housing, providing a premium feel, the Dolphin utilizes polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharper sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, delivering a deep and full sound that enhances the typing experience. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Dolphin, you can expect a high-quality housing material that complements the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Durock Dolphin linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, while the Dolphin only needs 62 grams. This means that the Black Lotus is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, which may be preferred by those who type for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of standard travel distances, with the Black Lotus being slightly longer than the Dolphin. The 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but for some users, it can make a difference in feel and responsiveness. Gamers looking for a faster response time may lean towards the Dolphin with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback may opt for the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 and Durock Dolphin switches offer different auditory experiences. The Black Lotus switch remains unspecified in terms of sound characteristics but is likely to produce a standard mechanical keyboard sound given its design. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a suitable option for quieter work environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Black Lotus and Dolphin switches provide a smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus switch is characterized as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced resistance and uniform keystrokes. Similarly, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, indicating smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying feel while typing, catering to users who appreciate a smooth and consistent keystroke.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and Durock Dolphin switches each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in offering a precise and smooth typing experience with a 55g actuation weight and in-switch lighting for added flair. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch stands out for its silent operation and medium-heavy 62g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between precision and resistance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches provide high-quality performance and are likely to deliver satisfying results to users seeking a premium mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a smoother and more precise typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the Dolphin could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Make sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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