Durock Black Lotus vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two exceptional options stand out: the Durock Black Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor Orange. The Black Lotus is a linear switch, renowned for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, typing becomes an absolute pleasure with these switches. They have a substantial 55g actuation weight, adding just the right amount of heft without being too heavy. Moreover, the Black Lotus features a unique light column that provides in-switch lighting, which can be fully removed as desired. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange is a tactile switch, and what it lacks in linearity, it more than makes up for with its exquisitely gentle nature. These switches offer a soft and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile that will satisfy even the most discerning typists. Both switches have their own distinct qualities and can greatly enhance your typing experience. 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

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Durock Black Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches differ in composition, resulting in distinct characteristics. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for its top housing, which enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a superior typing experience by utilizing housing materials that absorb sound, creating a rounder and softer sound.

The bottom housing of the Black Lotus is made of nylon, similar to the Meteor Orange. This nylon bottom housing contributes to the switches' enhanced sound profiles by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. It results in a duller and rounder sound when the keys are bottomed out. Similarly, the Meteor Orange's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Thus, both switches make use of the classic switch housing material to create a more pleasant auditory experience for the user.

While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Black Lotus and SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in material, they play complementary roles in determining the overall typing experience. The palm of the hand primarily feels the qualities of the bottom housing upon pressing down on a key. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, and in the case of both switches, the absorption properties of the nylon contribute to a softer and more rounded sound. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the top housing comes into play, and the modified PC and UPE blend of the Black Lotus and nylon of the Meteor Orange will have a more noticeable impact on the sound. However, despite these differences, the switches offer similar results by utilizing housing materials that enhance the typing experience through sound absorption and production.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch does not provide information on its actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch as it affects the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Meanwhile, others favor a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, opting for switches with heavier actuation forces would be more ideal.

In terms of weight, the Durock Black Lotus is the heavier option with higher actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is the lighter option with a lower bottom out force, providing a slightly lighter typing experience.

If one desires a similar typing experience with both switches, as the actuation force for the Meteor Orange is unavailable, it is hard to make a direct comparison. However, since the bottom out forces are relatively close, it can be assumed that the two switches may provide similar results when it comes to the overall force required to press the keys all the way down.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it can be observed that both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing down on a key equipped with either switch will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance it travels from the top to the bottom. Consequently, users can expect comparable results from both switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of their preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch offers a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. This implies that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch also offers a gentle and approachable typing experience, as its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the Black Lotus switch adds to its smooth and refined typing experience.

Similarly, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, as its characteristics fall within a safe middle-ground zone. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all available information, the Black Lotus switch offers a silky smooth feel with minimized wobble and a unique light column for in-switch lighting. It has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound when pressed. The switch also offers a variety of subjective qualities, such as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, contributing to its overall smooth and refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Meteor Orange switch is known for its gentle and seductive tactility, with a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished typing experience similar to the Black Lotus switch. Though they have some differences in sound and feel, both switches provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a substantial actuation weight without being too heavy. The Black Lotus also features a unique light column for in-switch lighting, which is fully removable. In terms of feel, this switch offers a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, with reduced resistance and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a gentle tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be an excellent option. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, it offers a slightly lighter actuation weight. The Meteor Orange provides a soft and seductive tactility, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. In terms of sound, this switch has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user.

Ultimately, the choice between the Black Lotus and the Meteor Orange comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize smoothness, precision, and a medium-heavy switch, go for the Black Lotus. If you prefer a gentle tactile feel, a neutral sound profile, and a medium-light switch, the Meteor Orange would be the better fit. Consider the specific characteristics and qualities that matter most to you in order to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more