Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference. Two popular options from Durock, the Black Lotus and the Light Tactile, offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles. The Black Lotus, a linear switch, is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, this switch provides maximum typing pleasure. Its actuation weight of 55g strikes a perfect balance between being substantial without being too hefty. Additionally, the unique light column offers in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch stands out with its super gentle tactility, presenting a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches prevalent in the market. Typing on these switches elicits an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. If these general pointers have sparked your curiosity, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Light Tactile differ in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer their own advantages, the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus provides a distinct and luxurious typing experience, while the polycarbonate of the Light Tactile enhances the sound profile and is particularly suitable for RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Light Tactile utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than hard plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing in providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience. However, since the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, it is where the qualities of the nylon material are most prominent in both switches.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, the impact they have on the sound and feel of pressing down and letting go of a key is noteworthy. The bottom housing, with its nylon material in both switches, contributes to the satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing creates a distinct difference between the two. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus provides a premium feel, while the polycarbonate of the Light Tactile enhances the sound profile, complementing the RGB lighting if used. Ultimately, despite their differing housing materials, both switches offer exceptional typing experiences, with the qualities of each housing material distributed between the top and bottom of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is slightly heavier at 55 grams, while the Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a significant push feel during typing.
In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, whereas the Light Tactile has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch has a slightly heavier force to fully press down.
Considering weight is important, as it can affect the typing experience and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch might find the Light Tactile more suitable as it requires less force for actuation. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel might lean towards the Black Lotus due to its slightly heavier actuation force.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Black Lotus and Durock Light Tactile switches differ slightly, they both fall within the medium-heavy range. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar typing experience in terms of force can expect comparable results with either switch option.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their equal travel distances. Whether you choose the linear Black Lotus or the tactile Light Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, providing maximum typing pleasure. It has a substantial 55g actuation weight, which offers a satisfying level of resistance without being too heavy. One of the unique features of the Black Lotus is its removable light column that provides in-switch lighting. The sound profile of the Black Lotus switch is not provided in the information given, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, which offers a refreshing contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Like the Black Lotus, the Light Tactile switch also boasts a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer their own unique qualities. The Black Lotus provides a silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and a removable light column, although specific information regarding its sound profile is not given. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle tactility, a jelly-like sound signature, and a polished finish for smooth key travel. While they may differ in certain aspects, both switches fall within the mild range for sound and feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a smooth and precise typing experience with reduced wobble, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a substantial actuation weight without being too heavy. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable, adding to the overall appeal of these switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactile experience, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Described as super gentle in its tactility, it offers a refreshing contrast to sharper tactile switches in the market. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch still falls within the medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. They also share qualities such as a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and Durock Light Tactile switches depends on your specific preference for linear or tactile switches. Consider the smoothness and precision offered by the Black Lotus, as well as the gentler tactile experience provided by the Light Tactile. Evaluate your typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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