Durock Black Lotus vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus stands out for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, offering a reduction in housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and not too hefty, it also features a unique light column for in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Lavender switch by Zuoce impresses with its exceptional smoothness straight out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. It produces a crisp and clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. While the Black Lotus is described as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Lavender is classified as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Lavender switches both bring unique qualities to the typing experience. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel, while the Lavender's POM top housing creates a pleasing and deep sound profile. Both switches prioritize quality in their top housings, providing users with a tactile and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing enhances the sound profile with a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Lavender's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the materials differ between the two switches, they both provide a solid foundation for a satisfying typing experience, enhancing the overall sound quality of each key press.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Lavender, it is clear that each housing material brings its own unique characteristics to the switches. The split qualities allow for a dynamic typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both switches offer a premium typing experience, showcasing the importance of quality housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Lavender is the lighter option with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Black Lotus, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Lavender. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is clear that the Lavender has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Black Lotus. The difference may seem minor, but it can have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Lavender's shorter travel distance could cater to those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of performance from both switches, as they both offer reliable linear actuation.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, providing a satisfying typing experience without any distracting noise. The Zuoce Lavender linear switch, on the other hand, offers a crisp and clacky sound signature that adds a tactile element to each keystroke. Both switches have their unique sound profiles, with the Black Lotus offering a quieter experience compared to the more pronounced sound of the Lavender.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky smooth operation, providing a refined and effortless typing experience. The switch is buttery in feel, offering minimal resistance and a seamless keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Black Lotus focuses on smoothness and precision, the Lavender prioritizes ease of typing with its light actuation force.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and precision-driven typing experience with a quieter sound profile, ideal for users who prioritize a refined feel. In contrast, the Lavender switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, catering to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience with a bit of audible feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch with a silky smooth feel, precise actuation, and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-light bottom out force, exceptional smoothness, and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what feels best for your typing experience.
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