Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron North Pole V2 both offer unique features and qualities worth considering. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, ensuring a typing experience free from housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substance and ease of use. Moreover, the Black Lotus stands out with its unique light column that provides in-switch lighting, adding a touch of customization to your keyboard. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is often described as gummy, offering a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfying chewy typing feel. Its attributes of being creamy, subdued, and bouncy make it a popular choice for those seeking a distinct tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches differ in terms of their composition. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer different characteristics, they both contribute to an enhanced typing experience.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Black Lotus utilizes a nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This stiffer plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. The use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing complements the top housing in producing a coherent typing experience.

Although the materials used in the housing of the Black Lotus and the North Pole V2 differ, they both strive towards improving the overall sound and feel of the switches. Both switches have a focus on sound clarity and resonance, with the polycarbonate components playing a significant role in achieving this. Additionally, the unique blend of PC and UPE in the Black Lotus's top housing provides a premium feel compared to the translucent polycarbonate of the North Pole V2. Therefore, regardless of the specific housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience and offer satisfying results to users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the Black Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the North Pole V2 requires 50 grams. Although the Black Lotus is slightly heavier in this aspect, both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. As for bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a force of 63.5 grams, whereas the North Pole V2 has a force of 65 grams. It is noteworthy that the North Pole V2 is slightly heavier for bottoming out.

Considering weight, it is essential to acknowledge personal preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the North Pole V2, as its lower actuation force allows for smoother keystrokes over extended periods of time. This makes it ideal for individuals utilizing their keyboard for work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Black Lotus, as its higher actuation force provides a stronger push feel. This can offer a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Therefore, both options cater to different preferences when it comes to actuation force.

In terms of bottom out force, the slight variation between the Black Lotus and the North Pole V2 may not be significantly noticeable during regular usage. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range and deliver a comparable bottoming out experience. Therefore, individuals utilizing either of these switches can expect similar results in terms of the force required for pressing keys all the way down.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron North Pole V2 depends on personal preference. Those desiring a slightly lighter actuation force may lean towards the North Pole V2, while those seeking a more robust typing experience might opt for the Black Lotus. Nevertheless, both switches offer medium-heavy actuation forces and comparable bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent and equal distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes with their 4 mm travel distance. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the North Pole V2, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch is not explicitly described, so its sound characteristics are unknown. However, the North Pole V2 switch is described as having a subdued sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the sound profile of the Black Lotus is unknown, it is possible to achieve a similar subdued sound by pairing it with the right setup.

Moving on to the feel, the Black Lotus switch is highly regarded for its silky smooth typing experience. It is described as offering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch is also referred to as buttery, indicating a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The combination of its smoothness and precision enhances the overall typing feel and reduces housing and stem wobble. Additionally, the switch is characterized as mild, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that should be approachable to most users. It is a safe middle-ground option. The switch is also described as polished, suggesting a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek typing. This may be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.

Conversely, the North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy. This implies a unique typing experience where bottoming out feels similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It also has a creamy feel, which is characterized by a smooth and buttery typing experience. The creamy sensation is achieved through factory lubrication or specific materials that allow for effortless keystrokes, as if fingers glide across the keys. The switch is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, adding a lively feel with rebound when the keys are pressed. Similar to the Black Lotus, the North Pole V2 switch is also referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that promotes a sleek typing experience.

In conclusion, based on the available information, it is evident that both the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches offer subjective qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. While the specific sound characteristics of the Black Lotus switch are unknown, the North Pole V2 switch provides a subdued sound profile. In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering exceptional smoothness, gentle typing experience, and reduced friction. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch is characterized as gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished, providing a unique bottoming-out sensation, smooth keystrokes, lively feedback, and reduced friction. Both switches can offer similar results in terms of feel, with the Black Lotus potentially delivering a smooth typing experience akin to the North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, both the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron North Pole V2 are great options. The Black Lotus offers a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, reducing wobble and providing maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 delivers a gummy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile. It provides a satisfying chewy sensation while typing. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus does not have a specific descriptor, while the North Pole V2 is described as subdued. When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is silky, buttery, mild, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The North Pole V2 is gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished, resulting in a smooth and spring-like typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference. Whether you prioritize precision and customizable lighting or a unique gummy typing feel, both the Black Lotus and North Pole V2 offer exceptional options for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more