Durock Black Lotus vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Elf 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 Huano Elf stand out as two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, minimizing housing and stem wobble for an exceptionally satisfying typing experience. With a balanced actuation weight of 55g, this switch offers a substantial yet comfortable tactile response, enhanced by its unique light column that allows for customizable in-switch lighting. Conversely, the Huano Elf presents a different but equally appealing profile, featuring a POK top housing that enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature. Its medium-light actuation offers a gentle yet satisfying feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback alongside tactile comfort. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you value a polished, low-wobble feel or a rich acoustic experience. 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
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Elf, notable distinctions emerge between their top housings, while their bottom housings share similarities that can influence the overall switch experience. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, providing a unique and premium feel, while the Elf employs POK material, known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, making it one of the smoothest options available. The Black Lotus's materials promote a quality typing experience through their specific blend, whereas the Elf’s POK is optimized for durability and smooth action, demonstrating that while they serve similar purposes in switch design, the materials themselves contribute differently to the tactile and auditory feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Elf utilize nylon, a classic choice in the mechanical switch community. This commonality ensures that users of both switches experience a similar sound profile: a deeper, fuller sound that results from nylon’s softer plastic. This shared characteristic means that despite the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches offers a notable, rounder sound that gives a sense of consistency across the two models. It's important to note that because the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall auditory experience of both switches.
Overall, while the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Elf feature different top housing materials—modified PC and UPE blend versus POK—their shared nylon bottom allows for similar results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. The top housings' unique characteristics will manifest in different ways during operation, leading to distinct feels and sounds when the keys are released. Thus, while users can expect rich auditory experiences across both switches due to the nylon bottom, the specificities of each switch's top housing will cater to different preferences in smoothness and response, ultimately providing diverse options to those who value tactile engagement in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the Huano Elf linear switch, there are clear differences in actuation force. The Black Lotus has a somewhat heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the lighter 42 grams of the Elf. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming may find the Elf more comfortable, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the Black Lotus provides a more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who favor a firmer typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Black Lotus is 63.5 grams, indicating that this switch not only requires more force to actuate but also feels more solid when pressed down completely. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Huano Elf is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its overall typing experience compared to the Black Lotus. Overall, while the Elf is the lighter option, offering a gentler touch, the Black Lotus may be better suited for those who prefer a heavier, more tactile feedback when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the distinctions are clear. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with traditional standards and offers a more pronounced depth that some users prefer for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Huano Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who appreciate quicker response times, particularly for gaming. Although both switches provide linear actuation, the shorter distance of the Elf may feel more abrupt, while the Black Lotus offers a more substantial experience. As a result, users looking for a switch with a more responsive feel might lean towards the Elf, while those valuing a fuller keypress may choose the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference regarding 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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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 linear switch is not explicitly characterized, which leaves its acoustic signature somewhat open to interpretation. However, the lack of any noted sound features may suggest that it has a more neutral sound profile that won't distract from the typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf linear switch is recognized for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustic performance to deliver a deep sound signature. This may result in a richer and more reverberant sound when typing, making the Elf a possibly more sonorous choice for those who appreciate acoustics in their keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus stands out with its silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. This indicates an exceptionally smooth typing experience combined with a refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. The substantial 55g actuation weight provides a sense of quality feedback, allowing typists to feel confident with each keystroke. In contrast, the specifics of the feel for the Huano Elf are not provided, leaving a gap in direct comparison. The medium-light feel associated with the Elf, however, suggests it could cater well to users seeking a balance that is neither too heavy nor too light, making it approachable for a variety of typing preferences.
Taking into account the available information, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Elf switches cater to users looking for a satisfying linear typing experience, albeit in slightly different ways. The Black Lotus offers a smooth and polished feel with a robust actuation weight, while the Elf provides an appealing auditory depth with its unique housing. Although sound and feel are subjective, those who prioritize smoothness and refined functionality may gravitate towards the Black Lotus, while those with an appreciation for acoustic properties might find the Elf more appealing. Ultimately, both switches promise to enhance the typing experience, but they excel in their distinct areas.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, precise experience with minimal wobble, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice, especially given its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a satisfying 55g actuation weight. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a truly silky feel and a polished typing experience, making it well-suited for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. Alternatively, if you lean towards a medium-light feel and enjoy a distinct sound signature, the Elf switch might be more to your liking. It excels with its unique POK top housing, enhancing acoustics and delivering a richer auditory feedback. Ultimately, consider your typing habits: if you desire robust feedback and a weighty keypress, go for the Black Lotus, but if a lighter touch and engaging sound are what you're after, the Huano Elf will serve you better.
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