Durock Black Lotus vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Black Lotus is praised for its smooth and precise typing experience, with reduced wobble and a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon for a creamy yet lightweight feel right out of the box. While the Black Lotus offers in-switch lighting with a removable light column, the Keygeek Raw arrives unlubricated, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives the switch a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw uses a Nylon and UPE blend top housing that is exclusive to their switches. While both switches feature a blend of UPE in their housing materials, the Black Lotus stands out with its modified PC component. This may result in a different typing experience and sound profile between the two switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Durock Black Lotus utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE and Si blend bottom housing that is exclusive to their switches. The use of different materials in the bottom housing can greatly impact the typing experience, with nylon providing a softer feel and more sound absorption compared to the UMPE and Si blend. This could result in differences in sound and feel when typing on the two switches.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Durock Black Lotus and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience and sound profile of each switch. While both switches feature a blend of UPE in their materials, the Black Lotus utilizes modified PC and nylon components, while the Keygeek Raw uses Si in its blend. These differences may lead to variations in the premium feel, sound quality, and overall typing experience between the two switches. However, if the top and bottom housings are the same for a given switch, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Keygeek Raw has a slightly lower bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Keygeek Raw slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be the better option. On the other hand, the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw. The 4 mm travel distance of the Black Lotus is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness, making it a good option for those who enjoy a standard key press feel. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a slightly shorter and quicker key press, which may be preferred by gamers or individuals looking for a faster response time. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for depth or responsiveness in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it may be best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it would be suitable for most intents and purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch is described as having a neutral sound profile as well, making it a versatile option for various use cases. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished qualities. This indicates that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, providing a seamless and refined typing sensation. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switch is described as having a textured, mild, and subtle feel. This suggests that it offers a slightly rougher typing experience out of the box, but still maintains a gentle and light feel overall.
Considering all the available information, both the Durock Black Lotus and Keygeek Raw switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Black Lotus provides a smooth and refined typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a slightly textured feel with the same neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, ensuring that users can achieve satisfactory results based on their specific requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and smooth, polished typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a slightly textured feel with a unique material blend, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw might be more to your liking. Consider your typing habits, desired sound profile, and overall typing feel when making your decision between these two exceptional linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and will enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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