Durock Black Lotus vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Sakura present compelling options for enthusiasts looking for linear switches, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Durock Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and precision, designed to minimize housing and stem wobble for a truly enjoyable typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial resistance and comfortable use, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile feedback without sacrificing fluidity. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch that is perfect for prolonged typing sessions, complemented by medium acoustics that ensure a pleasant sound profile without being overly noisy. While the Black Lotus shines with its polished smoothness and customizable in-switch lighting, the Sakura stands out for its accessibility and comfort during extended use. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Sakura switches utilize different top housing materials that set them apart in terms of feel and performance. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which is designed to create a unique and premium typing experience. This blend allows for enhanced smoothness and responsiveness, contributing to a more refined user experience. In contrast, the Sakura's top housing is constructed from POK material, also known as polyketone, which boasts a lower coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. While both materials aim to provide a high-quality typing experience, the POK material is specifically highlighted for its wear resistance and shock absorption capabilities, making it one of the smoothest options available in the market.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Sakura switches opt for nylon, a commonly used material praised for its sound characteristics. Nylon’s relative softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile upon keystrokes, absorbing vibrations more effectively than firmer plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material plays a crucial role in ensuring that both switches share a harmonious sound signature, delivering that sought-after rounded sound when bottoming out. This shared element of housing material means that users can expect similar acoustic qualities between the two switch types, even if their top rating and tactile feedback differ.
The differences and similarities in the housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences across both switches. The unique properties of the Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top produce a premium and smooth feel, while the Sakura’s POK top emphasizes durability and a high level of smoothness. Nevertheless, the use of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches ensures that users will enjoy a cohesive sound profile, no matter which switch they choose. Ultimately, the combination of distinct top housings contrasts with the shared bottom housing material, creating two distinct yet complementary switch types that cater to varying preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying preferences among users. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Sakura has a considerably lighter feel with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Black Lotus provides a stronger push, making it more suitable for users who prefer a substantial typing experience, while the Sakura is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, individuals who appreciate a heavier switch should gravitate towards the Black Lotus, whereas those seeking a lighter option will find satisfaction with the Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Black Lotus switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Black Lotus provides a more pronounced key press, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Sakura's shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, which can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that feels more substantial, the Durock Black Lotus is the better choice; however, if you prioritize rapid activation and responsiveness, the Huano Sakura is the superior option.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is designed to minimize noise while providing a solid acoustic feedback during typing, reflecting its smooth construction. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch features medium acoustics, which suggests a slightly more audible yet balanced ringing that could cater well to those who prefer a bit of character in their keystrokes. While both switches can achieve satisfying auditory results, their discernible differences in sound profiles may cater to individual preferences regarding typing ambiance.
The feel of the Black Lotus switch is characterized as exceptionally silky and buttery, creating a seamless typing experience that minimizes resistance and allows for effortless key presses. This switch is further enhanced by its polished finish, which reduces friction and improves overall smoothness. On the other hand, while there’s no specific description of the feel of the Huano Sakura switch, it is known to offer a feather-light touch. This may imply a notable ease in actuation, potentially providing a different yet pleasant typing experience, particularly for longer sessions.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Sakura linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus excels in silky smoothness and precision, making it suitable for users who prioritize a refined feel. Alternatively, the Sakura provides a lighter touch that could appeal to those looking for a less strenuous typing experience. Each switch presents its own set of characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel and sound profile for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing habits. If you favor a heavier and more tactile experience with a smooth and polished feel, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its 63.5g bottom out force provides a substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. Those who prioritize precision and enjoy the aesthetics of in-switch lighting will also find value in the Black Lotus. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that allows for quicker key presses, the Sakura’s 45g bottom out force is perfect for you, especially during extended typing sessions. Its feather-light feel and medium acoustics cater well to those who might type quickly or game for long hours without discomfort. Each switch offers distinct benefits; hence, your decision should reflect your typing style, comfort level, and whether you prioritize key travel feel or auditory feedback.
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