Durock Black Lotus vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Purple RGB present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The Black Lotus, a linear switch, is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, designed to minimize housing and stem wobble, thereby enhancing typing enjoyment. With a balanced 55g actuation weight, it strikes a harmonious chord between responsiveness and control, making it ideal for those who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch introduces a tactile sensation with a short yet pronounced bump, offering a refined feedback that many gamers and typists find satisfying. This tactile response is complemented by its medium-strength actuation, making it suitable for users seeking a balance between comfort and engaging feedback during typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their unique strengths, appealing to different preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches present both similarities and differences that contribute to their overall performance and feel. The Durock Black Lotus features a modified polycarbonate (PC) and UPE blend for its top housing, which provides a distinct premium feel that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB uses a nylon top housing, a material known for its traditional durability and sound characteristics. While nylon is a tried-and-true material in the switch community, the modified PC and UPE blend of the Black Lotus could lend itself to a different sound profile or feel, potentially offering a brighter, more pronounced response compared to the softer timbre that the nylon material often produces.

Turning to the bottom housings, both switches rely on nylon as their material of choice, which allows for a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Being a softer plastic, nylon effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder tonal quality that can enhance the overall auditory experience when pressing down on the keys. This similarity in bottom housing means that users can expect a similar acoustic performance from both switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, establishing a commonality that could appeal to those who prioritize sound dampening in their mechanical switches.

In terms of overall typing feel, the differences in top housing materials may create a nuanced experience depending on an individual’s preference. While the Durock Black Lotus employs a more complex blend that could lead to a sharper sound profile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB with its nylon top may offer a softer typing feel and a subtler acoustic response. When users press down on either switch, the nylon bottom's qualities will dominate the typing experience, resulting in comparable sound absorption between the two, while the top composition will cater to those who seek particular tactile or auditory feedback nuances on release. Thus, despite some variance in material choice, the similar nylon bottom housing fosters a unified feel and sound character, ensuring a consistent experience across both models.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we see a notable difference in actuation forces. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, which lends itself to a medium-heavy typing experience that can be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who may prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. While the Black Lotus’s bottom out force is recorded at 63.5 grams, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB remains unknown, which makes it difficult to draw a complete comparison in that regard. However, it is clear that if the bottom out force were available, it would likely align with the overall lighter feel of the MX Purple RGB. Ultimately, users looking for a robust typing experience would lean towards the heavier Durock Black Lotus, while those seeking a lighter option could opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm. This identical measurement means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and key feel when pressing these switches, as both require the same distance to be activated. Consequently, whether using the Black Lotus or the MX Purple RGB, the experience in terms of travel distance will be consistent, providing a uniform response during typing or gaming sessions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is recognized for its relatively quiet operation, characterized by a soft thock when bottoming out, which makes it suitable for both typing and gaming without being overly disruptive. This subdued auditory presence is enhanced by the switch’s construction and materials, which contributes to a more refined sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch emits a more pronounced sound profile, particularly due to its tactile bump that produces a notable click when actuated. This tactile feedback is not only satisfying for users who enjoy auditory cues during typing but can also vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material, potentially making the sound louder or more muted.

When discussing feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch excels with its exceptionally silky texture, delivering a typing experience that is described as smooth and polished. The minimal resistance encourages fluid keystrokes, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable. Users can expect an overall mild experience, as this switch mitigates any overly aggressive characteristics that might overwhelm a newcomer. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, while also aiming for a refined typing experience, incorporates a tactile bump that provides a medium-strength feedback. This bump is more pronounced than the Black Lotus, giving users a definitive tactile response that can be satisfying for those who prefer a clear sensation of actuation, though it may feel less smooth compared to the buttery quality of the Black Lotus.

In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus offers a smooth, polished, and mild typing experience, ideal for those seeking a quiet yet satisfying switch, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a distinct tactile feedback that some users may find rewarding. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you favor silently silky and buttery keystrokes, the Black Lotus is an exceptional option; however, if you appreciate a noticeable tactile response, the MX Purple RGB may suit you better. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a quality experience tailored to different typing styles and sound preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch should rely heavily on your typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a smooth and buttery feel with a moderate actuation weight, the Durock Black Lotus is an exceptional choice, ideal for typing enthusiasts who desire both comfort and precision in their keystrokes. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and unique in-switch lighting capabilities also make it suitable for users who appreciate a visual element to their setup alongside a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, if you find enjoyment in tactile feedback while typing—particularly with a refined bump that becomes apparent without being overwhelming—the Cherry MX Purple RGB is likely to be your go-to switch. It’s particularly well-suited for users who enjoy the sensation of a tactile switch, making it easier to discern when a key has been actuated, which can enhance both typing accuracy and gaming performance. Ultimately, your selection comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback in your keyboard experience, ensuring that whichever switch you choose aligns with your personal preferences and usage patterns.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more