Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are two worthy contenders. The Black Lotus boasts a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, thanks to reduced housing and stem wobble, making typing a pure pleasure. With a moderate 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial and not too hefty. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a beloved choice within the community, known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It offers a satisfying typing experience with its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Both switches fall under the 'Mild' and 'Polished' categories, showcasing their versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Black V2 have some notable differences. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This material is known for providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a proprietary INK blend top housing that also offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While both switches provide a similar clacky sound, the Black Lotus may have a slightly different premium feel due to its modified PC and UPE Blend material.

When it comes to the bottom housings, the Black Lotus utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is relatively softer, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 incorporates a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This material, similar to the top housing, provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Both housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the nylon bottom housing emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing adds to the high-pitched clacky sound.

Although the top and bottom housings of the Black Lotus and the Ink Black V2 have their unique qualities, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches will offer a satisfying clacky sound. However, the Black Lotus may provide a slightly different premium feel due to its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing compared to the proprietary INK blend used in the Ink Black V2.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Black Lotus requires 55 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires slightly more at 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience. As for the bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly higher force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Ink Black V2 is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.

Considering the weight aspect, users who prefer lighter switches may find the Black Lotus more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. The slightly lower actuation force of the Black Lotus allows for a lighter touch, reducing fatigue over time. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Ink Black V2. The higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Black V2 provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and can enhance the typing experience.

Overall, while there are slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preference and the desired typing feel – whether one prefers a slightly lighter touch or a more robust switch.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience with both switches. It is worth noting that the travel distance of both switches is not specified, so it can be assumed that they are equal in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known to have an undisclosed sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as having a low-pitched, bassy sound with a unique chirp that sets it apart from other switches. The choice of board and keycaps will also impact the sound produced by both switches. Overall, if you prefer a switch with an undisclosed sound profile, the Black Lotus may be a good option. However, if you enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound with a touch of chirp, the Ink Black V2 switch would be a more suitable choice.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is commonly described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. It also has a gentle and approachable feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. The polished finish contributes to the sleekness and reduced friction during key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch shares the mild and polished descriptors, which means it also provides a gentle and approachable typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. With both switches offering similar qualities of smoothness, gentleness, and reduced friction, the typing feel should be relatively similar between the two.

Taking into account all the available information, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for its smooth feel, reduced wobble, substantial actuation weight, and removable light column. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is a long-time community favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. While the sound profiles differ, with the Ink Black V2 having a low-pitched, bassy sound with a chirp compared to the undisclosed sound of the Black Lotus, the feel of both switches is quite similar. Both switches offer a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience with minimal resistance and reduced friction. Therefore, if you prioritize a specific sound profile, the choice between the two switches may be influenced. However, if the sound is less of a concern and you value the smoothness and refined feel, either switch can provide a highly satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a switch with unparalleled precision and reduced wobble, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its silky smooth feel, substantial 55g actuation weight, and unique light column feature, this switch offers a satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus provides a yet-to-be-described characteristic, allowing you to explore and find your preferred acoustic signature. As for the feel, the Black Lotus offers a range of descriptors such as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a classic linear switch that has been favored by the mechanical keyboard community, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch may be the perfect fit. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, smooth downstroke, and rich clack, this switch is sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy tone that adds depth and richness to each key press. The feel of this switch can be described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Black V2 comes down to personal preference. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and features, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience. Consider your priorities in terms of bottom out force, precision, wobble reduction, and sound characteristics, as well as your preferred typing feel. With these considerations in mind, you can confidently select the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more