Durock Black Lotus vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and manageable, it offers a unique in-switch lighting feature. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience. Its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. While the Black Lotus is described as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus switch features a unique combination of a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The modified PC & UPE Blend top housing gives the switch a premium and unique feel, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch uses a polycarbonate top housing and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Overall, the differences in housing materials between the two switches result in distinct typing experiences.
However, both the Durock Black Lotus and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches prioritize sound quality in their design. The use of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3's housing material contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon housing of the Black Lotus enhances the switch's sound with a deeper and fuller tone. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with attention to sound quality. If you are looking for switches that prioritize sound performance, both the Black Lotus and Lightning Silver V3 offer unique qualities in their housing materials that cater to sound enthusiasts.
In terms of aesthetics, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch's use of a clear polycarbonate housing allows for a visually appealing look, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus switch's combination of a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a more understated design. While both switches prioritize sound quality, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of visual aesthetics and tactile feel. Overall, each switch's housing material brings a different experience, catering to users with varying preferences in sound profile and design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Black Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's lighter 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, making it heavier than the Lightning Silver V3, which bottoms out at 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, but the Black Lotus leans towards the heavier side while the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a stronger push might prefer the Black Lotus for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Black Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 overly loud or sharp noises. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the soothing sound of the Black Lotus or the more vibrant sound of the Lightning Silver V3.
When it comes to feel, both the Black Lotus and the Lightning Silver V3 switches are described as silky, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This indicates that users can expect a consistent and comfortable feel with either switch, allowing for effortless keystrokes and enhanced overall typing speed and accuracy. The similarity in feel between the two switches means that users can rely on a consistent level of tactile satisfaction regardless of their choice.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus excels in providing a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its more pronounced and vibrant sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel. Regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the bottom out force of each switch. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, the Black Lotus with 63.5 grams could be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you value a smoother and more refined typing experience with reduced wobble, the Black Lotus may be the ideal option. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 60 grams and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences when it comes to typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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