Durock Black Lotus vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with unique characteristics. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precise actuation, featuring a 55g actuation weight that is not too heavy. It also includes a unique light column for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Neo White switches have a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel. The use of a Ly stem contributes to a smooth actuation for a satisfying typing experience. While both switches deliver a smooth typing experience, the Black Lotus is categorized as smooth, buttery, mild, and polished, while the Neo White is categorized as mild and neutral. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Haimu Neo White switches both feature nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound profile. However, the Black Lotus stands out with its unique modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a premium feel. In contrast, the Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the choice of material for the top housing sets them apart in terms of sound and overall typing experience.
Both the Durock Black Lotus and the Haimu Neo White switches offer a different sound experience based on their choice of housing materials. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, while the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing creates a higher-pitched and clearer sound profile. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the different top housing materials result in distinct sound qualities. Users looking for a switch with a premium feel may prefer the Black Lotus, while those seeking a sharper sound profile may lean towards the Neo White.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Black Lotus and Haimu Neo White switches has a significant impact on their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Black Lotus's combination of modified PC and UPE Blend top housing with nylon bottom housing results in a deep typing sound with a premium feel. On the other hand, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing paired with nylon bottom housing creates a sharper, crisper sound profile. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch with an unknown actuation force, making the Black Lotus slightly heavier in this aspect. However, the Neo White has a lower bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Black Lotus' bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Neo White a lighter switch overall, perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Black Lotus, on the other hand, provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences - the Black Lotus for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, and the Neo White for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Neo White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. The shorter travel distance of the Neo White may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Black Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in selecting the one that best suits your typing or gaming needs.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus and Neo White switches both fall under a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Neo White switch is described as mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel that is comfortable for most users. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and satisfying keystroke experience, with the Black Lotus leaning towards a more refined and polished feel compared to the Neo White.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience with reduced wobble and precise actuation, while the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing feel each user is seeking. However, users can expect similar results in terms of sound neutrality and a smooth typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus and the Haimu Neo White linear switches, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique in-switch lighting feature, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a distinctive typing feel with a smooth actuation, the Neo White may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
