Durock Black Lotus vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, is praised for its silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, while also boasting reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum pleasure. With a substantial 55g actuation weight and a unique removable light column for in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus is sure to appeal to those seeking a polished and buttery typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch, offers a snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke that strikes a delicate balance between pronounced tactility and a mild, neutral sound signature. While both switches are categorized as 'buttery' and 'mild', the Black Lotus leans towards a more 'silky' and 'polished' typing experience, whereas the Purple Sakura exhibits a 'snappy' tactility. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel to the switch. In contrast, the Purple Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Despite these differences, both switches offer a translucent top housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting applications.
On the other hand, both the Black Lotus and Purple Sakura switches share a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches helps to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This similarity in bottom housing material indicates that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when using either switch.
In terms of design and functionality, the housing materials of the Black Lotus and Purple Sakura switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the top housing material affects the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing material influences the sound during key presses and impacts the tactile feedback experienced by users. Despite their differences in material composition, both switches offer a quality typing experience with unique sound profiles attributed to their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Black Lotus and Purple Sakura switches may come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the Purple Sakura needs 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, but the Black Lotus is slightly heavier in both aspects. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Purple Sakura more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Black Lotus for a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. The Black Lotus offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Purple Sakura provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Purple Sakura with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus is known for a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound experience suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura also provides a mild and neutral sound signature, making it another versatile option. Both switches offer a pleasant sound that should not be overly distracting during use, ensuring a comfortable typing experience regardless of your choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus is renowned for its silky and buttery smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing sensation. Similarly, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a buttery and mild typing experience, striking a delicate balance between smoothness and tactile feedback. The switch is also noted for its snappy response, adding a liveliness to each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer impressive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus provides a silky smooth feel and a neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura offers a buttery sensation with a delicate tactility. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing experience, as both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you opt for the Black Lotus or the Purple Sakura, you can expect a high level of quality and performance in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a smooth and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Black Lotus. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery and snappy tactile response with a lower bottom out force, the Purple Sakura may be the better choice for you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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