Durock Black Lotus vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Oreo. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It boasts reduced housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial but not overly heavy, this switch offers a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. It delights users with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility, these switches strike the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the Oreo switches produce a subtle and mellow sound profile when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can better decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Oreo, both switches feature a unique blend of materials for their top housing. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend, providing a premium feel. Similarly, the Oreo incorporates polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both switches offer a distinct and high-quality experience, the Black Lotus may provide a more luxurious sensation due to its premium blend of materials.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus employs a nylon material, which generates a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the Black Lotus with its nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall performance of the switch. Pressing down on either switch will allow you to feel the qualities associated with the bottom housing, which greatly impact the bottom-out sound and feel. Additionally, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Oreo will depend on whether you prioritize a premium feel with a unique blend of materials or a sharper and clearer sound profile with the use of polycarbonate. However, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an exceptional typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it becomes clear that they have distinct differences. The Black Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Oreo has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Oreo will provide a more sensitive and responsive typing experience, requiring a lighter touch to initiate each keystroke. On the other hand, the Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, which measures the force required to press the key down fully, the Black Lotus again proves to be heavier with a force of 63.5 grams. In contrast, the Oreo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Oreo switch will provide a softer and less forceful impact when fully pressed, resulting in a potentially gentler typing experience. Conversely, the Black Lotus will offer a more satisfying tactile feedback when bottoming out due to its heavier force.
Considering the weight of the switch is important since it greatly impacts the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This makes it ideal for scenarios such as working or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and value a more substantial typing experience might prefer options with heavier forces.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a medium-heavy feel with both its actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more solid and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a medium-light feel, requiring less force for actuation and bottoming out, resulting in a more sensitive and potentially gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience an individual wishes to achieve.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when you press down on a key. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using either switch. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned, so its sound profile remains unknown. On the other hand, the Oreo switch is described as having a subtle, mellow sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as offering a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. These qualities suggest that the switch provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke, with reduced resistance and friction. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Oreo switch is described as being accented, meaning it provides a tactile bump that is prominent but not overwhelming. Additionally, it is described as having a stepped feel, which implies a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel or post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, based on the provided information, the Black Lotus switch excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced wobble and a unique light column feature. Although its sound profile is unspecified, it is likely to provide a pleasant typing sound given its smooth characteristics. The Oreo switch, on the other hand, offers a tactile typing experience with a noticeable but not overpowering bump and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Its sound profile is described as subtle and mellow, adding to the overall typing experience. If you are aiming for a smooth linear experience, the Black Lotus would be a suitable choice, while the Oreo switch is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a satisfying bump.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a silky and buttery feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Black Lotus also boasts unparalleled precision and reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, if you prefer a delectable treat for your fingertips with a medium-light bottom out force and a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the one for you. These switches strike the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the Oreo switches offer a subtle, mellow sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch will come down to your preferences for switch weight, tactility, and sound. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Mentioned in this article
