Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile. The Black Lotus is a linear switch, known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It also boasts reduced housing and stem wobble, enhancing the overall typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it offers a substantial, yet comfortable, resistance. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. It offers a tactile feedback that is just right, making typing a satisfying experience. Furthermore, it has a unique jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that make them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Durock Black Lotus and Medium Tactile switches both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Black Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differences, both materials offer unique benefits. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus provides a premium feel, offering a distinct tactile experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize clarity in their typing experience. Although they differ, both options ensure a satisfying switch feel.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and Medium Tactile feature nylon. Nylon is a known classic in switch housing materials and offers consistent characteristics across various switches. The utilization of nylon in both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. With its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, nylon results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Medium Tactile, you can expect a similar sound profile due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Considering that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall feel and sound of a switch, it's important to recognize how these materials affect each aspect. In the case of the Black Lotus and Medium Tactile, the qualities of the top and bottom housings are split, each impacting different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing, typically made of nylon in both switches, greatly influences the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. Conversely, the top housing, such as the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus or the polycarbonate of the Medium Tactile, influences the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more nuanced typing experience, giving users control over the sound and feel depending on their specific preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force for the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the actuation force for the Medium Tactile is unavailable. However, it's safe to assume that the actuation force of the Medium Tactile would be similar to the Black Lotus, as they are both tactile switches from the same brand.
Looking at the bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams of force, while the Medium Tactile requires 65 grams. This means that the Medium Tactile is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Considering the weight of a switch, some users prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. In this case, the Black Lotus would be a suitable choice for those users. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing experience, and for them, the Medium Tactile would be a better option due to its slightly higher bottom out force.
Despite the unavailability of the actuation force for the Medium Tactile, it is safe to assume that it would be in a similar range to the Black Lotus considering they are both from the same brand. In terms of bottom out force, the Medium Tactile is slightly heavier than the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Users can expect a consistent distance from the top to the bottom for both switches, resulting in a similar typing or gaming experience. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch.
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 Medium 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 Medium 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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus linear switch is known for its unknown sound signature. Unfortunately, the information provided does not mention anything specific about the sound characteristics of this switch. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as having a jelly-like sound signature. This implies that it produces a unique, slightly squishy sound when pressed. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is described as having a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. This suggests that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform, providing a pleasant experience overall. Similarly, the Medium Tactile tactile switch is characterized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This indicates that the switch provides a prominent but balanced level of tactility, with a mild bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, and the smooth and refined finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Black Lotus linear switch and the Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus is described as having a silky feel, but the sound information is unknown. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced level of tactility. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a smooth and precise typing experience, along with a light column providing in-switch lighting, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its silky and buttery feel, coupled with its medium-heavy bottom out force, ensures a pleasurable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. Its accented and stepped feel, combined with its medium-heavy bottom out force, offers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for smoothness, precision, and sound.
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