Durock Black Lotus vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Kiwi. The Black Lotus is a linear switch, well-known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, this switch offers maximum typing pleasure. It has a substantial actuation weight of 55g, providing a satisfying level of resistance without being too hefty. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique light column that provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch designed to enhance your typing experience. It offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback. The Kiwi switch also boasts a snappy sound profile, adding to the immersive typing experience. To top it off, these switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the TKC Kiwi differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct tactile and auditory experiences. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This material contributes to a smooth and satisfying keystroke, offering a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, which produces a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. Despite these differences, both switches deliver comparable results in terms of their premium feel and enjoyable typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is well-known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. On the other hand, the Kiwi features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which offers a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks upon keystrokes. The UHWMPE material enhances the auditory experience, providing a distinct and lively sound. These contrasting materials give users a choice between a softer and more subdued sound with the Black Lotus, or a brighter and more resonant sound with the Kiwi.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of these switches, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role. Pressing down on the switches triggers the characteristics of the bottom housing. Therefore, the Black Lotus with its nylon bottom housing will have a more pronounced influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller sensation. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, and in this regard, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing will offer a brighter and more impactful sound. Both switches, though differing in housing materials, deliver satisfying results that cater to the individual preferences of users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of weight. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the Kiwi requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, whereas the Kiwi has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TKC Kiwi would be the better option, as its lower actuation force allows for easier keystrokes. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push may lean towards the Durock Black Lotus, which has a heavier actuation force.
Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category of force, but differ in terms of specific weight. Nevertheless, they share a similar range, ensuring that users who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience can achieve comparable results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on an individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have the same 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 from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience with both switches. Whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, both the Black Lotus and the Kiwi offer a consistent travel distance for a satisfying keystroke.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 is not specifically described, so its sound characteristics remain unknown based on the given information. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This sound profile adds to the immersive typing experience provided by the Kiwi switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described with several terms that indicate a smooth and refined typing experience. It is referred to as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptors suggest that the Black Lotus switch offers a switch that is exceptionally smooth, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish and potential factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and overall smooth key travel.
Similarly, the TKC Kiwi switch is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel. Stepped tactile switches provide a mild tactile experience, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. Accented tactile switches, on the other hand, offer a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
Taking all this information into account, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with an unknown sound profile. Meanwhile, the TKC Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a tactile feel with a medium to medium-strong bump. Both switches prioritize a positive typing experience. While the sound and feel of these switches differ, users can expect similar levels of smoothness and refined key travel due to the presence of polished finishes and potentially factory lubing in both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus would be an excellent choice. With its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, these switches offer a truly enjoyable typing experience. The unique light column also adds a touch of customization that can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the TKC Kiwi would be a great option. These switches have a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Ultimately, the decision between the Black Lotus and the Kiwi comes down to personal preference, whether you prefer a linear switch or a tactile switch. Both options offer their own unique features and advantages, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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