Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, reducing wobble for an enhanced typing experience with its 55g actuation weight. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for office settings requiring quiet professionalism. While the Black Lotus is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the Mini i is described as 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped'. Each switch caters to different preferences - the Black Lotus for those seeking a smoother typing experience, and the Mini i for users looking for a quieter 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus features a unique Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a premium and distinct feel to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. While both materials offer durability and performance, the Black Lotus's modified blend may offer a more luxurious tactile sensation compared to the Mini i's nylon housing.
Both the Black Lotus and the Mini i utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softness of nylon allows for the absorption of more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches share this common material for the bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may still impact the overall feel and sound produced when typing.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Mini i housing materials may come down to personal preference. Those seeking a premium and unique tactile experience may lean towards the Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus, while others may prefer the deeper and fuller sound profile offered by the nylon housing of the Mini i. Regardless, both switches utilize high-quality materials that contribute to a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Mini i's lighter 40 grams. Similarly, the Black Lotus also requires more force to bottom out at 63.5 grams, while the Mini i bottoms out at 50 grams. This makes the Black Lotus a more medium-heavy option, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mini i is a lighter switch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Both switches offer unique typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel and pressure.
Travel distance
The comparison between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch reveals a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Black Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mini i offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Black Lotus provides a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. On the other hand, the Mini i offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for swift keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Black Lotus offering a more traditional and deeper press, while the Mini i provides a faster and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for travel distance in their mechanical keyboard.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Black Lotus and Gateron Mini i switches offer different experiences. The sound profile of the Black Lotus is unknown, but it is likely to be smooth and relatively quiet based on its overall design. On the other hand, the Mini i switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes them suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or in the office. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus provides a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, offering smoothness, fluidity, gentleness, and refinement in each keystroke. This results in a typing sensation that is effortless and comfortable, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches offer a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped typing experience. These switches provide a spring-like feedback, gentle resistance, responsiveness, light typing feel, and a two-stage tactile sensation. Both switches cater to users looking for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different tactile feedback profiles.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Mini i switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus provides a smooth and precise typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation weight, while the Gateron Mini i switches offer gentle tactility and a balanced sound profile for quiet and professional environments. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation weight, you can achieve similar satisfying typing results with either switch by considering how they align with your typing needs and style.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a smooth, precise keystroke with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, gentle tactility, and a quiet typing experience ideal for office settings, the Gateron Mini i switch would suit your needs best. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
