Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. Among the myriad of options, the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Rosewood both stand out as linear switches, yet they offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky-smooth feel and unmatched precision, designed to minimize wobble for maximal typing satisfaction. With a balanced 55g actuation weight, it strikes an ideal compromise between responsiveness and pressure, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a refined and polished experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a rich, thocky sound profile straight out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which appeals to those who prioritize auditory feedback in their keystrokes. While both switches are impressive in their own right, they serve distinct purposes depending on whether you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience or an audible, tactile note with every key press. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and Akko Rosewood switches present distinct configurations in their top housing materials, while both share the same nylon bottom housing, which plays a critical role in defining the typing experience. The Black Lotus integrates a modified PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) blend for its top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. This combination results in a firmer structure, which can enhance key stability during typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes classic nylon for its top housing, known for its softer texture. This difference is significant, as the nylon top allows for a more dampened sound profile, in contrast to the sharper and more tactile response provided by the Black Lotus's modified blend.
When considering the bottom housings of both switches, they are identical in material, being made from nylon. This similarity yields a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switch types. Both materials have the same acoustic qualities, absorbing sound more effectively due to their softer plastic composition, which results in that characteristic duller and rounder sound. As a result, even with the differences in top housing, players can anticipate a consistent auditory experience on bottoming out due to the identical nylon composition.
Ultimately, while the Durock Black Lotus and Akko Rosewood exhibit differences in their top housing construction, they align perfectly in their bottom housing materials. The impact of a switch's feel and sound profile is often split between the top and bottom housings, meaning each switch will exhibit unique attributes according to its top structure, while providing a familiar sound consistency thanks to their shared nylon bottoms. This means that regardless of the differences above, users can expect a similar bottoming-out experience, highlighting how the nuanced differences can cater to varying preferences while still delivering a cohesive acoustic result.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to diverse preferences among users. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy and suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rosewood is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, the Rosewood switch is ideal for users seeking less strain during extended use, while the Black Lotus will cater more to those who enjoy a firmer key feel. Overall, those looking for lighter switches should opt for the Rosewood, whereas those who appreciate a heavier switch will find the Black Lotus more appealing.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they offer identical key pressing experiences in terms of depth and actuation. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect the same level of responsiveness and feel when typing or gaming, resulting in comparable performance regardless of which switch is chosen. Since both switches have an equal travel distance, users can achieve similar results in terms of key actuation and tactile feedback, making either option a valid choice for those seeking a consistent linear switch experience.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 linear switch is generally quiet, which is characteristic of linear switches that prioritize a smooth typing experience over acoustic feedback. This makes it suitable for environments where noise is a consideration. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known for producing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound straight out of the box. This auditory quality is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which contributes to a more resonant sound profile. While both switches may offer distinct auditory experiences, it's essential to remember that the overall sound output can also be influenced by the specific keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Black Lotus is particularly celebrated for its silky, buttery, and polished characteristics, resulting in an incredibly smooth and refined typing experience. Users can expect minimal resistance and a gentle touch with each keystroke, making it a pleasure to type on. Additionally, the mild nature of the switch makes it approachable for both newcomers to mechanical keyboards and seasoned typists seeking comfort. In contrast, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch is not specified, but one can presume that the quality control and factory lubrication may impart a smooth experience as well.
In summary, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Rosewood linear switches offer unique characteristics appealing to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a silky and refined typing experience with minimal sound, while the Rosewood adds an engaging acoustic dimension with its deep thock sound. If you prioritize sound, the Rosewood may be the more suitable option, while those seeking a smooth, tactile feel might lean towards the Black Lotus. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value sound or a smoother typing experience more.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium-heavy switch that offers a silky smooth feel and a polished typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus may be your ideal choice. Its higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams delivers a more substantial feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit of resistance when typing. The added benefit of reduced wobble enhances precision, making it an excellent option for serious typists or gamers looking for accuracy and control. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter switch that produces a deep, thocky sound right out of the box, the Akko Rosewood will likely suit you better. Its 50-gram bottom out force and factory lubrication create a smooth and satisfying experience, ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch or who type for extended periods without fatigue. In essence, your ultimate decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a heavier, more controlled keystroke or a lightweight, auditory-rich typing journey.
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