Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Box Black. Both switches fall under the linear switch category, offering a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback of a click or bump. The Black Lotus stands out with its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, along with reduced wobbling for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it offers a substantial but not overly heavy typing experience. Additionally, the unique removable light column provides in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, giving off a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Black Lotus is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Ink Box Black is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Box Black switches have different housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a premium and special feel. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its relatively high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile. While the top housings are distinct, both switches offer a satisfying and clacky sound when keys are released.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Black Lotus employs a nylon material, which is a classic choice for switch housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing, providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound.

However, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings are not isolated, but rather work together to create the overall experience of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the impact and bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing. Despite the differences in materials, both the Black Lotus and Ink Box Black switches offer their own unique and enjoyable typing experiences.

In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Box Black switches showcase different housing materials. The Black Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a premium feel, while the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its satisfying and clacky sound. In terms of bottom housings, the Black Lotus opts for nylon, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Ink Box Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend, adding a pointed and high-pitched sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, with the bottom housing influencing the impact and bottom-out sound, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to take note of. In terms of actuation force, the Black Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Ink Box Black requires 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a substantial push feel for typing.

Moving on to bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Ink Box Black has a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches again fall into the medium-heavy range, ensuring a solid and satisfying typing experience.

In summary, while there are slight differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Box Black, they both provide a similar medium-heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended periods of typing or a heavier force for a more substantial feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Gateron Ink Box Black has a shorter distance compared to the Durock Black Lotus. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Black Lotus is considered more traditional, while the 3.6 mm distance of the Ink Box Black is on the shallower side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, then the Ink Box Black would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, then the Durock Black Lotus with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned in the provided information. However, based on the description of reduced wobble and maximum typing pleasure, it can be inferred that the Black Lotus switch is likely to produce a generally smooth and muted sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, resembling the sound of a shaken spray paint can. This indicates that the Ink Box Black switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the Black Lotus and the Ink Box Black switches are described as silky and polished. This implies that both switches offer exceptionally smooth typing experiences with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The use of polished materials and possible factory lubing contribute to a sleek and refined finish, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Black Lotus switch is also described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Overall, both switches provide a similar level of smoothness and comfort while typing.

Taking into account the available information, the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches share some subjective qualities. Both switches offer a silky and polished typing experience with reduced resistance, resulting in a smooth and refined feel. However, there are differences in sound characteristics. The Black Lotus switch's sound is unknown but is likely to be smooth and muted based on the provided information. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switch is clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharper and more crisp sound. The final choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences and the desired sound profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you prioritize smoothness and precision in your typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is an excellent choice for you. With a silky smooth feel and minimal housing and stem wobble, these switches provide maximum typing pleasure. The medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams ensures a substantial actuation weight without being too hefty. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds a touch of customization for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the one to consider. These switches offer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, with a sound that reminds us of a spray paint can being shaken. Both switches share the advantage of a silky and polished feel, minimizing resistance and providing a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Box Black switches depends on your preference for sound and the level of actuation force you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more