Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Mars

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Mars each offer distinct characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precise performance, thanks to its design that minimizes housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and control, making it a great option for those who value a buttery typing experience. Additionally, its unique light column allows for customizable in-switch lighting that is fully removable, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars leverages an innovative design that features a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM in its housing, prioritizing durability and consistency in keystrokes, though it lacks the same categorical classification as the Black Lotus. Each switch caters to different user priorities—whether you’re after smoothness with elegant lighting or a sturdy build with reliable performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron Mars Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Mars switches, it is evident that there are both distinctive elements and commonalities that influence their performance. The Black Lotus features a unique modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing which is designed to provide a premium feel, while the Mars relies on classic nylon for its top housing. The modified blend of PC and UPE can be expected to enhance the tactile response, contributing to a more refined overall typing experience. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Mars is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is valued by typists seeking a more traditional sound characteristic.

In terms of bottom housings, the Black Lotus utilizes nylon, similar to the Mars, which greatly impacts how the switches feel when bottomed out. Since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, they share the same advantage of producing a muted, rounded sound signature that many users appreciate. However, the Mars differentiates itself by incorporating POM for its bottom housing, known for generating a unique sound profile with relatively muted accents. While the Black Lotus's nylon bottom aims for consistency in sound absorption, the POM from the Mars should yield a slightly more distinct auditory experience, despite both benefiting from the softer texture and lesser harshness contributed by their material choices.

Overall, the variations in housing materials between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Mars switches bring forward unique aspects into their playability and sound profiles. The use of modified PC and UPE blend in the Black Lotus's top housing enhances tactile feedback while the nylon bottom retains a warm sound consistency. The Mars offers a classical approach with its nylon top housing, paired with POM for the bottom, creating a more muted and pronounced auditory experience. Despite these differences, the common use of nylon across both designs ensures that typing on either switch will yield similarly soft and pleasant bottom-out experiences, allowing users to enjoy a balanced interaction with both products.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Mars is lighter at 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch might find the Mars more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas those who enjoy a heavier feel may lean towards the Black Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating it provides a firmer feedback when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown; thus, it is uncertain how it will feel when fully engaged. Overall, while the Black Lotus offers a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out sensation, the Gateron Mars stands out with a lighter actuation force, catering to those who prefer a softer keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches and more suited for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to users who favor a snappier response time typical of shorter key presses, which can enhance gaming performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual user preferences: the Black Lotus offers a more traditional depth for a hearty feel, while the Mars delivers a quicker actuation ideal for rapid key presses and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is often characterized by its subdued and muted acoustic profile. This allows for a more focused typing experience without distracting noise, making it suitable for both work and gaming environments. The Gateron Mars linear switch, on the other hand, typically produces a clean and refined sound that aligns well with its innovative design, offering a crisp keystroke that isn't overly loud. However, it's essential to remember that the final sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the keyboard build, choice of stabilizers, and keycap material.

In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch stands out for its buttery smooth, fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers a mild feel that strikes a balance—not too stiff or too soft—providing an approachable typing experience that can be preferred by many users. The subtle feedback allows for precision typing without any harshness. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch remain unspecified, leaving an unknown element regarding how it directly compares to the Black Lotus’s smooth and gentle typing motion.

Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Mars linear switches present appealing qualities, with the Black Lotus particularly excelling in sound dampening and a smooth feel. While the Mars switch has its unique design that could potentially lend itself to excellent characteristics, further information on its feel would help to offer a more comprehensive comparison. Users looking for a well-rounded experience may find that both switches can deliver satisfying results, although the Black Lotus may be preferable for those who prioritize sound and a refined typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Mars linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a tactile and precise typing experience with a smooth buttery feel and a Medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Black Lotus would be the ideal choice for you. Its reduced wobble and effective dampening of sound make it exceptional for both gaming and typing tasks, allowing you to enjoy prolonged sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you are searching for a unique, innovative design and are unsure about the bottom out force or looking for a more playful feel, the Gateron Mars switches can provide an exciting option with their POK stem and special housing material that enhances durability. They are likely to appeal to those who prioritize a light typing experience while exploring a new switch characteristic. Thus, consider your typing habits and sound preferences to make the most suitable choice between these two distinct yet compelling options.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more