Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Yellow. The Black Lotus switch is a linear switch that is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It boasts reduced housing and stem wobble, allowing for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it offers a substantial feel without being too hefty. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique light column for in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch is also a linear switch but is characterized by a shorter travel distance. This switch is recommended for those who desire a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness that adds to the overall tactile experience. While both switches have their merits, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to their overall typing experience. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing the switch with a distinct premium feel. In contrast, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Although these materials differ, both switches offer a satisfying and clacky sound upon release, albeit with different nuances.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While these materials provide different acoustic characteristics, both switches maintain a certain level of clackiness, creating a unique typing experience.

It's important to note that when pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, and in this regard, the Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and more stable sensation. On the other hand, the top housing of a switch influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may offer a premium feel upon release, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound.

In summary, although the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Yellow switches have different housing materials, they both offer satisfying typing experiences. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing lends a premium feel, while the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing delivers a clacky sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound. Despite these variations, both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy switches. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke. Despite this slight difference, both switches provide a similar level of resistance when initiating a keystroke.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams of force to fully press the switch down, while the Ink Yellow demands 67 grams. Again, it is evident that both switches offer a comparable level of heaviness when bottoming out.

Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Black Lotus with its slightly lower actuation force and bottom out force. This would be ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions or indulge in gaming marathons. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing sensation may lean towards the Ink Yellow switch, as it requires a slightly stronger push for actuation and bottoming out.

In conclusion, while there is a slight variation in the actuation force and bottom out force between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range. Therefore, individuals using either switch can expect similar results in terms of resistance and typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. A travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional and provides a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, while 3.5 mm is slightly shorter and may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Ink Yellow may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Black Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance would be the way to go. Both switches offer different experiences, but regardless of the choice, you can expect a smooth and satisfying key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is not specifically described, but based on its characteristics of reducing housing and stem wobble and having a unique light column, it is likely to have a relatively quiet sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as having a "clacky" sound when pressed, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described with several descriptors including "silky," "buttery," "mild," and "polished." These qualities collectively suggest that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is also described as having a "mild" and "polished" feel, which means it offers a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel.

Based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Ink Yellow switches have some similarities in terms of feel, as they both offer a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. However, the Black Lotus switch has additional characteristics such as being "silky," "buttery," and "mild," which suggest a more enhanced smoothness and ease of typing. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch is not specifically described, while the Ink Yellow switch is said to have a "clacky" sound. It is important to consider that the subjective experience of sound and feel can also be influenced by personal preferences and the keyboard setup as a whole.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a switch that offers a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, reduces wobble for maximum typing pleasure, and has a unique light column for in-switch lighting, then the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and substantial 55g actuation weight, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel and a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great option. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and provides a typing experience between that on a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Both switches have a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch offers a sound profile that is not specifically described, while the Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes and a clacky sound that is crisp and percussive. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more