Durock Black Lotus vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your personal style and typing preferences, two exceptional options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Grape Orange, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Black Lotus, renowned for its silky smoothness and precision, offers a substantial 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and control, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience with minimal stem wobble. Its unique light column feature allows for captivating in-switch lighting, adding an aesthetic touch to your setup. In contrast, the Grape Orange switches stand out for their ultra-light 40g actuation force, making them an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions, as they require less effort and can minimize fatigue. While both switches offer distinct advantages—one focusing on a polished feel and the other on effortless typing—each caters to different typing styles and 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

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and Huano Grape Orange switches showcase distinct approaches to housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Durock Black Lotus is crafted from a modified PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) blend. This unique formulation not only enhances the tactile experience during use but also contributes to a premium feel, balancing durability with a refined touch. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange utilizes pure polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is known for producing a more pronounced sound profile; it offers sharper and crisper acoustics due to its stiffer composition. While both switches aim to create high-quality auditory experiences, the Black Lotus's use of modified PC may render it slightly warmer in tone, while the Grape Orange's pure polycarbonate might deliver a more pronounced treble quality.

When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, a material recognized for its classic application in keyboard switches. Nylon's softer characteristics lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile as it absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. This commonality in bottom housing materials fosters a sense of consistency in auditory experience. As a result, both the Black Lotus and Grape Orange switches will provide a rich and rounded sound when bottoming out, making them comparable in that aspect despite their differing top housing materials. The cohesive use of nylon in both switches suggests that users can expect an enjoyable typing experience focused around a deep sound resonance.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches informs their overall performance and sound profile. Since the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing a key, the differing qualities of the Durock's modified PC blend and the Huano's polycarbonate will create distinct auditory experiences upon key release. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a consistent and satisfying bottom-out feel. Thus, while users might experience variations in sound and tactile feedback based on housing materials, the fundamental synthetic characteristics shared between the bottom housings assure that typing experiences will remain pleasantly similar, providing a fuller auditory resonance in both cases.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Conversely, the Grape Orange strikes a lighter note with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer softer typing, particularly during lengthy sessions. This significant disparity indicates that the Black Lotus requires more force to actuate and bottom out than the Grape Orange, providing a more substantial and heavier feel for typists who appreciate resistance. Therefore, while both switches will achieve their functional purposes, users seeking a lighter experience will favor the Grape Orange, while those looking for a heavier touch will lean towards the Black Lotus.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, the Durock Black Lotus stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights a distinct characteristic between the two switches: the Black Lotus offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange's shorter travel distance can enhance responsiveness, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prioritize quick reaction times. Ultimately, your preference will guide your choice; if you favor a more robust depth in your keystrokes, the Durock Black Lotus is the way to go, whereas if instant response is key, the Huano Grape Orange might be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is noted to offer a pleasing acoustic profile that enhances the overall typing experience, although specific sound characteristics were not mentioned. This switch tends to produce a softer, muted sound, making it suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch’s sound profile is similarly subdued, promoting a quieter workspace. However, detailed descriptions of the Grape Orange's acoustic properties are also absent, leading to the understanding that both switches yield a relatively discreet audio output, though personal preferences and specific setups will ultimately influence the final sound experience.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Durock Black Lotus excels with its silky smoothness and buttery keystrokes, providing a highly refined and enjoyable touch experience. It minimizes resistance and friction, resulting in a highly polished typing sensation ideal for extended usage. The gentle and mild characteristics of the Black Lotus also cater to a wide range of typists, as the balance between feedback and smoothness is designed to feel comfortable. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Huano Grape Orange switch are unknown, leaving the comparative feel somewhat ambiguous. However, given its ultra-low 40g actuation force, one can infer that it may offer a lighter touch that could appeal to those searching for a more effortless typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Grape Orange linear switches present appealing qualities for those interested in mechanical keyboards. The Black Lotus stands out with its refined feel and smooth operation, while the Grape Orange offers a lighter touch suitable for prolonged use. Although the sound profiles of each remain somewhat undefined, both are suggested to provide a quiet typing experience. Regardless of these differences, both switches can yield satisfactory results depending on personal typing preferences and setups, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable keyboard interaction for newcomers.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches, it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a more substantial feel and require a switch that offers immersive precision while minimizing wobble, the Black Lotus is likely your best choice. With its medium-heavy actuation and a silky, polished texture, it can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a slight resistance during typing, making it suitable for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightness and a nearly effortless typing experience, the Grape Orange is the way to go. Its ultra-light actuation force allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal fatigue, making it ideal for lengthy writing tasks or for users who prefer a light touch. While the Black Lotus boasts a refined acoustic profile that enhances the overall typing pleasure, the Grape Orange provides a lighter sound that aligns with its responsive actuation. Ultimately, your final decision should align with whether you seek a more tactile feedback and structure or a featherlight touch for faster typing.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more