Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a superior typing experience. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel, with an actuation weight of 55g that strikes a balance between responsiveness and control, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. Its innovative light column design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reduces wobble for precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight feel and features a thocky sound profile, delighting users who appreciate a deeper auditory feedback without sacrificing smoothness. This switch represents a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, appealing to those looking to enjoy premium performance without breaking the bank. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, tailored to different preferences, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches illustrate a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, revealing how the tactile experience and sound profile can differ among mechanical switches. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE, which is intended to offer a premium feel and arguably a brighter response when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie relies on polyoxymethylene (POM) for its top housing, delivering a distinct affectation with its unique sound signature that leans toward the deeper and muted side. Although both materials contribute positively to the overall experience, the Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend aims to provide users with a high-end tactile sensation, while the POM top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses more on generating a richer auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches again showcase different materials that contribute distinct properties to the typing experience. The Black Lotus features a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its relatively soft composition. This quality allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a satisfying, rounded acoustic feedback when typing. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing is designed to also generate a unique sound, but its characteristics offer a similar deeper tonal quality, albeit perhaps with a slightly different resonance. In essence, both switches are able to achieve a rich auditory experience, though they do so through differing mechanical properties.
In evaluating the overall performance of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes evident that while the top and bottom housings differ in material, they complement each other in their acoustic profiles. Users may find that the nylon bottom of the Black Lotus enhances the overall feel by softening the bottom-out impact, which contrasts with the higher pitch produced by its PC and UPE top. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM materials, featured in both top and bottom housings, contribute cohesively to its unique sound profile that favors a more muted consistency. While both switches yield similar auditory results, the way each material interacts during the keystroke process ultimately shapes distinct user experiences on both models.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences in actuation force stand out. The Black Lotus switch requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it more suited for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, delivering a substantial feel during use. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. The bottom out force for the Black Lotus is 63.5 grams, which is also classified as medium-heavy; however, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. Hence, while both switches facilitate distinct typing experiences, the Durock Black Lotus is heavier overall, and users looking for a more substantial typing experience should lean toward it, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option for those preferring a lighter feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Black Lotus offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This distinction highlights the preferences that users might have based on their typing or gaming styles. The Black Lotus, with its longer travel distance, tends to provide a more traditional feel, making it appealing for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie may cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as this switch allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, users can achieve a responsive feel with the Sea Salt Smoothie, but those favoring a more pronounced keystroke depth might gravitate towards the Black Lotus.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 notably absent from a specific description of its acoustic profile, leaving its auditory character somewhat open to interpretation. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is praised for its "thocky" sound profile, which is often preferred by enthusiasts for its deep and satisfying resonance. It's essential to remember that the sound produced by each switch can vary significantly depending on the board used and the type of keycaps chosen, so both switches may exhibit distinct acoustic qualities in different setups.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus linear switch shines with its silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. This blend provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall satisfaction during use. The switch feels refined, thanks in part to reduced friction and potential factory lubing, offering a gentle yet controlled response. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is not specifically detailed, leaving an unknown factor for newcomers to consider. However, given that it is described as a smooth POM switch, it can be anticipated to offer a comfortable typing experience similar to that of the Black Lotus, although the nuances may differ.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches cater to specific preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Black Lotus stands out for its silky and polished feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is enticing for its thocky sound profile and excellent overall quality. While the sound profile of the Black Lotus remains uncertain, the feel of the two switches might create a similar typing sensation for users seeking smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, and both options promise a commendable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switches and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in feel, sound, and weight. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a substantial actuation weight, the Black Lotus may be ideal for you. Its unique construction minimizes wobble while providing a satisfying, polished feedback that many users find delightful for both typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on smoothness or acoustics, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a compelling choice. Its thocky sound profile and medium weight make it an excellent option for those who enjoy a more grounded typing experience. In summary, consider the Black Lotus if you want precision and a premium feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is perfect for those who appreciate a solid yet more affordable linear switch.
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