Durock Black Lotus vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed with every keystroke. While the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, polished, the MX Speed Silver is characterized as textured, thocky, low-pitched. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference and specific needs. However, let's delve 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon. However, the Black Lotus also features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that may set it apart from the Cherry MX Speed Silver in terms of tactile feedback. While both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, the Black Lotus may provide a slightly different feel due to its housing material composition.
In terms of sound quality, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver offer a deep and fuller sound profile thanks to their nylon bottom housings. However, the Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may contribute to a different typing feel compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing also plays a role in creating a duller and rounder sound upon key release, allowing for a satisfying typing experience. Despite these differences in top housing material, both switches excel in providing a premium sound and feel for typists looking for a high-quality typing experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Black Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver may result in subtle variations in typing feel and sound profile. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the Black Lotus's unique blend for its top housing could potentially provide a more premium feel compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver. Typists who appreciate a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing may find satisfaction in either switch, with the choice ultimately depending on personal preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 30 grams. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus also requires more force at 63.5 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver, for which the information is unavailable. Both switches offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Black Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the MX Speed Silver provides a shallower feel compared to the Black Lotus. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the MX Speed Silver for its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 is known for producing a sound that is smooth and satisfying, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as thocky and low-pitched, offering a deep and bass-heavy tone that adds to the overall typing experience. Depending on your preference, both switches can provide a pleasant auditory feedback, with the Black Lotus focusing more on a smoother sound while the MX Speed Silver offers a deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, which may not appeal to users looking for a smoother typing sensation. While both switches offer a linear action, the Black Lotus excels in delivering a more polished and buttery feel compared to the textured sensation of the MX Speed Silver.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch stands out for its smooth feel, reduced wobble, and unique light column design, making it a popular choice among users looking for a premium typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch caters more towards gamers seeking rapid response and maximum speed, with its distinctive thocky sound and full-height design. Depending on personal preference and intended use, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smoother feel and reduced wobble (Black Lotus) or rapid response and deep sound (MX Speed Silver).
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, silky smooth feel, and precision with reduced wobble, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response, full height for maximum speed, and low spring resistance for gaming purposes, the MX Speed Silver could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing or gaming style, as well as the sound and feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
