Durock Black Lotus vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) 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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, typing becomes a pleasure, and the 55g actuation weight provides a substantial but not overly hefty typing experience. Additionally, the unique light column allows for customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that offers a sharp tactile feel. With a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, these switches provide a rare and premium typing experience. What sets them apart is the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The downstroke bump produces a satisfyingly sharp and punchy sound. With their medium-heavy feel and abrupt bottom-out, the Moyu Blacks offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience. Ultimately, choosing the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the most informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a PBT top housing, although the Black Lotus's top housing is a modified PC and UPE blend. This gives the Black Lotus a unique and premium feel, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more neutral sound profile with its PBT top housing. Both switches also have a relatively unseen PBT bottom housing. However, the Black Lotus stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT bottom housing.
The differing housing materials of the Black Lotus and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have an impact on the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt. The nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, creating a more immersive typing experience. In contrast, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) maintains a neutral sound profile.
On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. The modified PC and UPE blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a premium feel and may enhance the sound when letting go of a key. The PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a neutral sound profile, which may not have the same level of crispness as the Black Lotus but also avoids sounding dull.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) share a PBT top and bottom housing while also having some differences. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing and nylon bottom housing result in a unique and premium feel, as well as a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT housings provide a neutral sound profile, offering a different typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, providing options for those looking for specific qualities in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams.
In terms of actuation force, the Moyu Black requires a slightly lighter touch compared to the Black Lotus. This means that keystrokes can be triggered more easily with the Moyu Black, which may be favorable for users who value quick and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Black Lotus requires a slightly stronger push to activate a keystroke, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Moyu Black is the heavier option with a force of 67 grams, while the Black Lotus measures at 63.5 grams. This indicates that pressing the Moyu Black all the way down requires more force compared to the Black Lotus. For users who enjoy a more satisfying and substantial tactile feedback when typing, the heavier bottom out force of the Moyu Black may be preferred.
Overall, while both switches have similar actuation forces and fall into the medium-heavy category, there are slight differences in their tactile feedback. The Durock Black Lotus provides a slightly heavier actuation force and lighter bottom out force, while the Everglide Moyu Black offers a slightly lighter actuation force and heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch has not been described in the provided information. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is known for its resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is described as offering a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. These switches are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Black Lotus switch sits in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for its accented and sharp tactile feel. These switches provide a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, and they feature a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, when comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus switch has not been described in terms of sound, but it provides a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch has a resonant sound profile and offers an accented and sharp tactile feel. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as they offer distinct typing experiences. However, if you prefer smoothness and mildness, the Black Lotus switch may provide similar results in terms of feel, although the sound profile will need to be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and precise typing experience with minimal wobble, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be a great choice for you. Not only does it offer a silky and buttery feel, but it also has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a substantial typing experience without feeling too hefty. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds a visually appealing touch to your keyboard setup.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp and distinct feedback sensation, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. With its blend of PBT top and bottom housing, this switch offers a rare and premium typing experience. The Moyu Blacks have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, delivering an impactful and satisfying typing experience. Notably, the strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump create a hypertactile sensation, accompanied by a sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound during typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Whether you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience or a tactile sensation with strong feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing pleasure. As a final point, remember to consider other factors such as noise level, typing speed, and desired switch lifespan when making your decision.
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