Durock Black Lotus vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches with distinct characteristics come to light. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and precise operation, reducing wobble for a satisfying typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red but with the added benefit of operating quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Black Lotus is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the MX Silent Red is described as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Silent Red both feature nylon components, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, however, offers a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Silent Red's standard nylon top housing. This difference in material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Black Lotus potentially offering a more premium feel while the Silent Red may excel in sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Silent Red utilize nylon materials that absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound during typing. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience between the two switches may be more comparable in terms of sound profile and overall feel. However, the slight difference in top housing material, with the Black Lotus featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend while the Silent Red sticks to nylon, may still result in a nuanced variation in overall typing experience.
While both the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Silent Red feature nylon bottom housings for a similar sound profile during typing, the unique modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus sets it apart from the Silent Red. This distinction may result in a more premium and tactile feel when using the Black Lotus switch compared to the Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and sound profile, with the Black Lotus offering a more unique and premium experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the MX Silent Red is lighter in both aspects. The Black Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown. The weight of these switches is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch like the MX Silent Red may be preferred for those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Black Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, making them ideal for those seeking quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster reactions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Black Lotus to be a better fit due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately depends on the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 combination of a light column for in-switch lighting and a reduced housing and stem wobble, resulting in a potentially crisp and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is designed specifically for a quieter typing experience, with descriptors like muted, thocky, and low-pitched indicating a soft and smooth sound profile. Both switches are likely to provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Black Lotus offering potentially more distinct sound characteristics while the MX Silent Red focuses on minimizing noise.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is praised for its silky smooth feel, buttery keystrokes, and polished finish, all contributing to a refined and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as potentially having a textured feel, which may indicate some level of friction when pressing the keys. While the Black Lotus promises a smooth and gentle typing experience, the MX Silent Red's textured feel may provide a unique tactile feedback for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches offer their own set of subjective qualities that can cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in potentially offering a distinctive sound profile and a smooth typing experience with reduced wobble, while the MX Silent Red prioritizes a silent operation and potentially a textured feel for those who prefer a bit of friction. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that is sure to meet the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prioritize a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, reduced wobble, and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a slightly heftier feel with a significantly quieter sound profile for noise-sensitive environments, then the MX Silent Red could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switches before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Black Lotus and MX Silent Red will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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