Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black are both popular choices when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, with each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its premium quality at a budget-friendly price point, with a heavier actuation and bottom-out force for a more substantive typing experience. While the Black Lotus is categorized as smooth, buttery, mild, and polished, the G Pro 3.0 Black is categorized as clacky, creamy, subdued, silky, and subtle. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches provide unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Durock Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying clacky sound profile. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct materials, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Durock Black Lotus utilizes nylon which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black features a POM bottom housing that produces a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side. The POM material contributes to a more muted sound, offering a different typing experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches differ, they each play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, with nylon providing a deeper sound profile and POM offering a more muted experience. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with the modified PC & UPE Blend of the Black Lotus providing a premium feel and the proprietary INK blend of the G Pro 3.0 Black contributing to a satisfying clacky sound. Overall, both switches offer unique housing materials that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, we see a difference in weight. The Black Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the G Pro 3.0 Black needs 70 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, offering a substantial typing experience with a noticeable push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Black Lotus, while those who enjoy a stronger push may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, despite the slight difference in weight, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces when using these two switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the two switches, it is important to note that both offer a standard travel distance that provides a consistent typing experience. Both switches will result in similar keypresses and actuation points due to their equal travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Durock Black Lotus or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, you can expect a similar feel and performance in terms of travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and efficient typing experience with no significant difference in 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 is known for its yet-to-be-described sound characteristics, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is described as producing a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. This difference in sound profile may appeal to different preferences, with the Black Lotus potentially offering a quieter or different auditory experience compared to the G Pro 3.0. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Black Lotus is recognized for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. These descriptors suggest a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black is noted for its creamy, silky, and subtle feel. This indicates a smooth, gentle resistance with a light typing feel, potentially enhancing typing comfort and ease. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Black Lotus may provide a slightly different feel compared to the creamy sensation offered by the G Pro 3.0 Black.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus emphasizes a smooth and refined typing experience with potentially softer sound characteristics, while the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a creamy typing sensation with a clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches are designed to cater to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether opting for the Black Lotus or the G Pro 3.0 Black, users can expect a premium typing experience with high-quality components and features.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation weight and a unique light column feature, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier actuation weight and a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be more to your liking. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences but have different sound profiles, with the Black Lotus being described as quiet and the G Pro 3.0 Black being described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, and subdued, offering a more muted sound compared to most switches. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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