Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is renowned for its distinct silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced wobble for optimal typing comfort. Its 55g actuation weight provides a substantial yet manageable typing experience, coupled with a removable light column for customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its affordability and smooth keystrokes that deliver a buttery feel and low-pitched "thock" sound. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, but depending on your preferences, one may better suit your needs than the other. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), we can see that both switches use nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. The only difference lies in the design, with the Black Lotus utilizing a modified PC & UPE blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel compared to the classic nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, once again, both the Black Lotus and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) make use of nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. With its softer plastic composition, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both the Black Lotus and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches ultimately provide a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing. The qualities of the nylon material shine through in both switches, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing feel. Whether it's the unique and premium feel of the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend top housing or the classic nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus is the heavier of the two. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. The actuation force of the Black Lotus requires more pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). However, both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Black Lotus offering a more substantial feel due to its heavier force while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) allows for longer typing sessions with its lighter force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. This makes them both suitable options for individuals who prefer a consistent key feel in terms of travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel distance, providing a comfortable and predictable feel for users.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a unique light column providing in-switch lighting, but specific descriptors for its sound quality are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its pleasing, low-pitched “thock” sound which can be characterized as bassy and thocky, perfect for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile during their typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch is acclaimed for its silky smooth feel, reducing housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. The switch has a 55g actuation weight that is substantial, providing a tactile feedback without being too heavy. It's described as buttery, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, on the other hand, is only described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch stands out for its precise, smooth feel and unique light column feature, providing a premium typing experience for users who prefer a tactile feedback with a moderate actuation weight. While the sound quality of the Black Lotus is not explicitly described, its overall design focuses on reducing wobble and maximizing typing pleasure. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is budget-friendly and offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a satisfying low-pitched “thock” sound. Both switches cater to different preferences, but users can expect similar smoothness and key feel, with the choice ultimately depending on personal sound preference and typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, actuation weight, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique light column feature, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, budget-friendly typing experience with a buttery sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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