Durock Black Lotus vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Sage. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It also reduces housing and stem wobble, resulting in maximum typing pleasure. With a moderate actuation weight of 55g, it strikes a good balance between responsiveness and heaviness. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a unique light column that provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct clicky typing experience. The weight of the Sage is slightly heavier, providing a refreshingly sharp and crunchier clickiness.
When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smooth and polished typing experience with subtle tactile feedback, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more invigorating and clicky typing experience, the Kailh Sage could be the perfect fit. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Sage switches have several similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Sage has a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both are made of plastic, the Black Lotus's housing provides a distinct feel, whereas the Sage's polycarbonate housing focuses on enhancing the sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon for this component. Nylon has been a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The reason behind this is that nylon is a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it is the Black Lotus or the Sage, typing on switches that use nylon as the bottom housing will result in a similar sound profile. It is interesting to note that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Sage switches differ in their top housing materials but share the same nylon bottom housing. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, while the Sage's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound profile and is particularly useful for RGB lighting setups. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches benefit from the use of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their variations, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Sage's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams of force, which is also medium-heavy, while the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Black Lotus, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. This makes it suitable for work scenarios or long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For these users, the Sage may be the preferred choice, as its higher bottom out force of 70 grams offers a more robust tactile response.
It is worth noting that without knowing the specific actuation force of the Sage, a direct comparison cannot be made in terms of actuation force. However, both switches can provide a medium-heavy typing experience with similar results, as they fall within a similar range of force requirements.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Sage will depend on individual preferences and typing habits. Whether a lighter or heavier switch is preferred, both options offer their own advantages for different typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Sage switches have different travel distances. The Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Black Lotus has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a deeper and more satisfying key press. On the other hand, the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which can be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the Black Lotus will have a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a deeper or shorter key press.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
The Black Lotus linear switch is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, reducing housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. It has a substantial 55g actuation weight, providing a satisfying amount of resistance without being too heavy. Additionally, the unique light column feature allows for in-switch lighting and is fully removable. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the sound of the Black Lotus switch.
On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience. It is described as having a refreshing sharp clickiness, making each keypress audible and satisfying. The weight of the Sage switch is considered quite heavy, adding to the tactile feedback and creating an immersive typing sensation.
Comparing the sound qualities, the Black Lotus switch's sound characteristics are unknown. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch is described as having a crunchy sound, akin to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished qualities. These descriptors indicate that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the Sage switch's feel.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Black Lotus and Kailh Sage switches offer different subjective qualities. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and precise typing experience, but there is no information on its sound characteristics. The Kailh Sage, on the other hand, offers a distinct clicky feel with a weightier touch, along with a crunchy sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, sound preferences, and the desired typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches are likely to provide satisfactory results in terms of their respective qualities, even if they are not specifically mentioned in the provided information.
Conclusion
In closing, to sum up the differences between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you value a smooth and precise typing experience with minimal wobble, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, a silky and buttery feel, and a unique in-switch lighting feature. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, the Sage switch might be more suitable for you. It provides a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves and an invigorating tactile feedback. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preference when choosing between these two switches, as both offer their own unique qualities.
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