Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer two distinct experiences tailored for different typing preferences. The Durock Black Lotus stands out with its silky smooth feel and a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between efficiency and comfort. It's designed to minimize housing and stem wobble, providing an unparalleled typing experience, especially for those who prioritize precision and a polished touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade excels in delivering an engaging auditory experience with its bright and clacky sound profile, ideal for users looking to enhance their typing acoustics, particularly when used in Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While the Black Lotus might appeal to those favoring a refined and quiet typing sensation, the Magnetic Jade attracts enthusiasts who enjoy a more dynamic and expressive sound. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, the most notable differences lie in the top housing, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. The Durock Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, imparting a unique and premium feel that enhances the overall typing experience. This blend suggests a certain degree of flexibility and tactile response, potentially leading to a satisfying feel during use. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparency. This combination translates to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which can be particularly appealing for users seeking a crisper auditory feedback when typing.
On the other hand, both the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Magnetic Jade utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared characteristic in terms of sound profile. The nylon material is appreciated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience. In this regard, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the overall acoustic output of both switches. Despite the differences in the top housing materials contributing distinctively to the typing experience, the nylon bottom ensures consistency in sound dampening and adds a certain richness to the typing feel. As such, users can expect a similar auditory warmth and roundness when bottoming out the keys on either switch.
The contrasting qualities of the top housings mean that while both switches may deliver high-quality performance, their sound profiles will differ significantly during use. The Durock Black Lotus will likely produce a more muted yet premium experience attributed to its modified housing materials, whereas the Gateron Magnetic Jade will shine with a clearer, sharper sound characteristic due to its polycarbonate composition. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom housing in both switches will unify their acoustic signatures during keystrokes, underscoring how a blend of different materials can create unique yet complementary experiences in mechanical switches. This combination of top and bottom housing materials ultimately dictates the individual attributes of each switch while providing an overarching auditory harmony.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we see clear distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This difference underscores the Black Lotus as ideal for individuals seeking more resistance, while the Magnetic Jade caters to those who appreciate ease of use with a lighter feel. Ultimately, if users are looking for a more tactile pushback, the heavier Black Lotus will be the preferred choice, whereas the lighter Magnetic Jade will suit those who prioritize lightness and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there's a noticeable difference. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Black Lotus the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may appreciate for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, offers a quicker response time that is favored by gamers and those who prefer a more immediate feedback from their key presses. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on individual preferences; if you enjoy a deeper press for a more traditional feel, the Black Lotus is the better choice, but if you're looking for speed and responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade would be ideal.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade 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
The sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus switch has not been explicitly detailed, but it can be inferred that its focus is more on the smoothness and precision of the typing experience rather than an emphasis on auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a bright and clacky sound, ideal for those who appreciate distinct acoustic feedback while typing. The clackiness can enhance the overall typing experience for users who prefer switches that provide clear auditory cues, making it suitable for an engaging atmosphere, especially during intense typing sessions. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch will also depend on additional factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap selection.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Durock Black Lotus stands out with descriptors such as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, reflecting an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. Users can expect minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, leading to a typing sensation that is fluid and uniform. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch has not been specified, leaving it uncertain how it compares in this aspect. The Black Lotus's smoothness and precision can dramatically enhance long typing sessions, ensuring comfort and less fatigue over time.
In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Magnetic Jade differ significantly in their sound profiles, with the former lacking specific details and the latter being bright and clacky, the feel of the Black Lotus offers a superior typing experience through its silky and polished characteristics. The Magnetic Jade’s feel remains unknown, placing the Black Lotus switch in a favorable position in terms of user comfort and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, those who prioritize smoothness might gravitate towards the Black Lotus, while users seeking auditory feedback can consider the Magnetic Jade for a potentially lively typing atmosphere.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a heavier, more solid typing experience, the Black Lotus, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and buttery smooth feel, will likely be your preferred option. This switch excels in environments where precision is valued, thanks to its reduced wobble and polished action, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a refined touch and a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, more tactile response, the Magnetic Jade will be better suited to your needs. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile, this switch offers an engaging acoustic experience that enhances your typing enthusiasm, particularly for those who enjoy gaming or want to add a distinctive auditory element to their keyboard. Ultimately, assessing how much weight you prefer in your keystrokes and whether you prioritize sound and tactical feedback will guide you to the ideal choice that complements your keyboard setup.
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