Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two switches that are worth comparing and considering are the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Red, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, offering a typing experience free from housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and manageable, this switch is ideal for those who prefer a slightly heavier touch. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a unique removable light column, providing customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a lighter actuation force, making it perfect for those who have a lighter typing style. These switches are highly regarded for their satisfyingly smooth keystrokes and their crisp and clacky sound profile, resulting in an effortless typing experience. While these general pointers give a good overview of each switch's strengths, let's delve deeper into their specific attributes to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Red switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their individual characteristics. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium and unique feel. In contrast, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While the materials differ, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sound qualities. Pressing down on the Black Lotus will showcase the qualities of its UPE Blend bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the relatively softer nylon material. Similarly, the Ink Red's bottom housing, made from Gateron's INK blend, also contributes to its sound profile, providing a clacky and higher-pitched sound.

Apart from the top housing, the bottom housing also plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing, which complements the top housing's sound profile. The INK blend contributes to the Ink Red's pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, offering a satisfying and clacky typing experience. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch are influenced by these different bottom housing materials.

Although the top and bottom housings of the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Red differ, their overall impact on the typing experience is similar. The top housing materials, whether it's the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus or the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Red, will affect the sound when releasing a key. The unique feel of the Black Lotus and the clacky sound of the Ink Red are both results of the top housing materials. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Ink Red employs Gateron's INK blend for its high-pitched and clacky characteristics. So while the two switches may differ in housing materials, both provide a premium typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, slightly heavier than the 45 grams required for the Ink Red. This means that the Black Lotus will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces, with the Black Lotus at 63.5 grams and the Ink Red at 60 grams. This indicates that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to press all the way down.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ink Red, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. The Ink Red switch is a good choice for those who need a keyboard for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel might lean towards the Black Lotus, which has a slightly heavier actuation force. This switch would provide a satisfying tactile feedback and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Overall, while the actuation forces and bottom out forces of the two switches differ slightly, they both offer viable options for different preferences and typing experiences.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch both 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 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Both switches offer a satisfying travel distance that provides a comfortable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor provided in the information given. However, it is known for its smooth feel and precise performance, which suggests that it will likely produce a quiet and muted sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as having a "crispy and clacky" sound profile. This indicates that it will have a slightly more pronounced and satisfying sound when typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used. Overall, if you are aiming for a quieter typing experience, the Black Lotus may provide similar results, while the Ink Red will offer a more distinct and audible sound.

When discussing the feel of the switches, both the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Red are described as having a silky and smooth typing experience. This suggests that they will both offer exceptional smoothness and minimize any resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. Additionally, both switches are also described as mild, indicating a more gentle and approachable typing experience. They fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of the overall feel. Furthermore, both switches are described as polished, which suggests that they have a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is potentially due to the materials used or factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for both switches. Therefore, in terms of feel, you can expect similar results from both the Black Lotus and Ink Red switches.

In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Red linear switches share certain similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. While the Black Lotus does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, its smooth feel and precise performance indicate that it will likely produce a quiet and muted sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red is described as having a crisp and clacky sound profile, offering a more pronounced and satisfying sound during typing. Overall, both switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes.

Conclusion

To wrap up, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Red are exceptional linear switches with their own unique qualities. The Black Lotus, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offers a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a great choice for those who desire maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable. The unique light column in the Black Lotus also adds a visually appealing element to the switch.

On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red features a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, making it ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds are distinguished by their satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience.

When it comes to sound, the Black Lotus is neutral, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. In contrast, the Ink Red has a chirpy acoustic signature, setting it apart from other switches and adding a unique touch to your typing experience.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a silky typing experience, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance. They also fall under the descriptor of "mild," providing a gentle and approachable typing experience for most users. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Red depends on your specific preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a visually appealing light column and maximum typing pleasure, the Black Lotus is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter switch with a unique chirpy sound profile and effortless typing experience, the Ink Red is the perfect choice for you. Whichever switch you choose, you can't go wrong with either the Black Lotus or the Ink Red.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more