Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Glory Red are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics appealing to various users. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and superior precision, featuring a 55g actuation weight that balances responsiveness with control, making it ideal for those who seek an enjoyable and immersive typing experience. Its distinctive in-switch lighting and reduced housing and stem wobble further enhance its appeal, allowing for a visually striking and stable performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red is designed for those who prefer a lighter touch; it features a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, ensuring an enjoyable experience with every keystroke. While both switches deliver their signature smoothness, their different actuation weights and overall construction make them suited for diverse typing 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

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Glory Red switches exhibit intriguing similarities and differences in their housing materials that significantly influence their tactile and auditory characteristics. The Black Lotus switch features a modified blend of PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-polyethylene) for its top housing, which imbues it with a premium and unique feel. This innovative mixture likely enhances the durability and vibration-dampening properties of the switch, allowing for a distinctive typing experience characterized by less noise and a subtly softer feel upon actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red uses traditional nylon for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that can be described as deeper and fuller due to nylon's inherent sound-absorbing qualities. The choice of materials in both switches greatly affects their overall performance and feel.

When analyzing the bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and Glory Red utilize nylon, which further emphasizes the distinctive auditory properties present in their switches. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, contributing to a more rounded and muted bottom-out sound, which is a key aspect of the overall typing experience. Since both switches share the same bottom housing material, they are likely to deliver similar outcomes in terms of auditory feedback when bottoming out. However, the feel and performance of the switches will still be influenced by the differing top housing materials, meaning that while they may share a common auditory quality from the bottom, the overall sound and feel will still diverge due to the unique characteristics of the top housing.

Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Glory Red switches showcases the importance of housing composition in shaping the user experience. Users can expect softer sound profiles and muted acoustics from both switches due to the nylon bottom housing; however, the Black Lotus offers a more premium typing feel courtesy of its modified PC and UPE blend top housing. This difference is likely to provide an enhanced tactile experience that contrasts with the classic nylon top housing used in the Glory Red, which emphasizes a more traditional, rounded sound profile. Thus, while both switches share similar bottom housing benefits, the contrasting top housings will yield unique user experiences that cater to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Glory Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions may find the Glory Red more comfortable, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial push experience might gravitate towards the Black Lotus. In terms of bottom out forces, the Black Lotus stands at 63.5 grams; however, the Gateron Glory Red's bottom out force is unavailable. Thus, while we cannot directly compare the bottom out forces, it's clear that the Black Lotus offers a more defined end point. Overall, the Black Lotus is heavier when it comes to both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for users who appreciate a firmer feel, whereas the lighter Glory Red caters to those who favor a gentler touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Glory Red features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Black Lotus offers a more traditional key feel that some users might prefer for its deeper response, allowing for a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Glory Red, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, caters to those who favor quicker actuation for gaming, providing faster response times but potentially feeling more abrupt. Therefore, if you enjoy the sensation of a more substantial depth, the Durock Black Lotus would be the better choice, whereas if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Glory Red would function better for your needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is characterized by a rich and refined acoustic profile, lending a deeper resonance that enhances the auditory experience of typing. Though the exact characteristics of the sound produced by the Glory Red switch are unspecified, it can be generally anticipated that linear switches tend to emphasize a quieter operation compared to their tactile or clicky counterparts. Therefore, while both switches likely produce minimal noise due to their linear nature, the Black Lotus may provide a more substantial auditory experience that aligns with its silky smooth feel.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Durock Black Lotus excels with its multitude of descriptors, including silky, buttery, mild, and polished, which collectively suggest an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This would translate into a keystroke that allows for effortless pressing and releasing of keys, minimizing resistance and enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red, while praised for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, lacks additional descriptive layers; this leads to the conclusion that its feel may be pleasant but perhaps does not reach the same level of sophistication or nuanced experience as that of the Black Lotus.

Combining all this information, the Durock Black Lotus emerges as a standout option for those seeking refined auditory and tactile qualities, making it an excellent choice for users who value both sound and feel in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Glory Red, while offering a smooth keystroke as well, may appeal more to those looking for a straightforward linear switch without an abundance of additional sensations. While both switches are positioned well within the realm of linear options, the Black Lotus provides a more deluxe experience, whereas the Glory Red remains a solid choice for a smooth and accessible typing alternative.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Glory Red linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and tactile feedback. If you're looking for a switch that offers a refined, silky smooth feel with a medium-heavy actuation force of 55g, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its polished construction reduces wobble, making for a precise and enjoyable typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a solid feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red may suit you better, especially if you enjoy nuances of travel distance without added heft. While it’s described as smooth, the exact feedback on sound and feel may be less pronounced than the Black Lotus, making it a favorable option for those who prefer a less obstructive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should factor in how much weight and tactile feedback you desire in your keyboard setup, ensuring you select the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and overall comfort.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more