Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Glory Yellow offer two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precise performance, featuring a moderate 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its design minimizes housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure, while the innovative light column not only enhances aesthetics but is also fully removable for added customization. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are known for their heavier actuation, providing a satisfying keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. Although both switches are linear and offer a smooth typing experience, their differences in actuation weight and design characteristics may appeal to different 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 Yellow 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 Yellow switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound and feel when typing. The Black Lotus features a modified polycarbonate (PC) and UPE blend for its top housing, which is designed to provide a unique and premium touch. This blend tends to offer a firmer feel compared to the conventional nylon used in the Glory Yellow. As a result, the Black Lotus may deliver a crisper top-out sound when releasing the key, while maintaining a tactile response that appeals to enthusiasts seeking refined feedback during typing.

In contrast, both the Black Lotus and Glory Yellow switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice of material is critical as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic means that when pressing down on either switch, users will encounter similar auditory experiences, benefiting from the softer nature of nylon that mitigates the high-pitched sounds typically associated with harder plastics. Consequently, the sound when bottoming out on both switches can feel satisfyingly muted and rounded, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.

Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Black Lotus and Glory Yellow switches highlights how variations in housing can create distinct typing experiences while still sharing some common acoustic qualities. The interplay between the modified PC & UPE blend top housing of the Black Lotus and the nylon bottom housing can lead to a more complex sound profile during key releases, whereas the all-nylon construction of the Glory Yellow ensures a consistent and harmonious auditory experience throughout. Together, these materials illustrate the intricate relationship between design choices and the end-user experience, allowing for a range of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that cater to varying user preferences. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Glory Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it feel more effortless to type on, especially during prolonged use, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that while the Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, the Glory Yellow provides a gentler touch. Consequently, for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Glory Yellow stands out, while those who appreciate a firmer feel may opt for the Durock Black Lotus.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch feature identical travel distances of 4 mm. This similarity in measurement means that users can expect a comparable feel and response when pressing down on the keys of either switch. Because both switches share the same travel distance, typists and gamers alike will likely experience similar actuation forces and overall performance, leading to consistent results across different typing and gaming scenarios.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound qualities of the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches, the Black Lotus is often characterized as having a pleasantly muted sound, making it ideal for quiet environments. The sound emitted from each keypress aligns closely with the understated nature of linear switches, which typically do not produce the distinct auditory feedback associated with tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, while the Glory Yellow switches are also linear and aim for a similar subdued auditory profile, specific descriptions about their sound characteristics may be less pronounced or missing. Ultimately, it's important to remember that the perceived sound of both switches can vary significantly based on the keyboard's build and the keycap material chosen.

In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus excels with its buttery smooth and mild characteristics, providing a keystroke experience that is not only effortless but also incredibly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. This smoothness translates to a fluid and uniform sensation that enhances precision while minimizing finger fatigue. The Glory Yellow also brings a smooth experience with a notable travel distance, promising a pleasurable typing journey, albeit specifics about its tactile feedback are less defined. Both switches emphasize smooth keystrokes, making them suitable for users who appreciate linear action without any abrupt interruptions.

In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches cater to those seeking a smooth, enjoyable typing experience, with nuanced differences in sound and feel. While the Black Lotus boasts a unique auditory profile and a buttery touch, the Glory Yellow remains a staple in delivering a satisfying linear action but lacks detailed descriptions in some areas. With their smooth operational characteristics, either option can lead to a pleasant typing experience, especially when paired thoughtfully with the right keyboard and keycaps to match each switch's qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing experience. If you prioritize a buttery smooth typing sensation with minimal wobble, along with a medium-heavy feel that offers a comforting amount of resistance, the Black Lotus is an excellent option. Its unique light column also allows for customizable in-switch lighting, which can enhance your keyboard experience aesthetically. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, and you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience that still provides comfort, then the Gateron Glory Yellow might be the better choice for you. While the exact bottom-out force is unknown, it is designed to provide an enjoyable experience that may appeal to those who appreciate a balance between a responsive feel and a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value precision and customization with the Black Lotus or smoothness and enjoyability with the Glory Yellow.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more