Durock Black Lotus vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock Black Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Durock Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and outstanding precision, offering a typing experience that is both satisfying and consistent. With reduced housing and stem wobble, these switches truly excel in providing maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, its 55g actuation weight strikes the perfect balance, not being too heavy or too light. Furthermore, the Black Lotus boasts a unique light column that offers in-switch lighting and can be fully removed. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design. While maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, it features a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, earning its "semi-silent" label. The type feel of this switch is also silky smooth, although it is not overly polished. With its subdued and neutral characteristics, combined with a mild but snappy response, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers an intriguing option for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in their top housing but share the same nylon bottom housing. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While the top housing materials differ, the nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a different experience compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its polycarbonate top housing. The Black Lotus is likely to have a more unique and premium feel due to its modified PC and UPE Blend material. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, which could be appealing for those seeking a more precise and distinct typing experience. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile that can be expected when typing on either switch.

When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role. The nylon bottom housing in both the Durock Black Lotus and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound while providing a deeper sensation when bottoming out. Therefore, whether using the Black Lotus or the Semi-Silent Linear, the impact on the feel and sound during key presses remains consistent, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing. However, it's important to note that the top housing, which differs between the two switches, will have varying effects on the sound when the key is released, giving each switch its distinctive touch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Black Lotus is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Black Lotus measuring at 63.5 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams.

The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke. In this case, the Black Lotus requires a lighter touch with its 55-gram actuation force, offering a quicker response for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown, so it is difficult to compare directly.

When it comes to bottom out force, which measures the force required to press the key fully down, the Black Lotus is slightly heavier with its 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Semi-Silent Linear comes close with its 62-gram bottom out force, offering a similar result to the Black Lotus.

Considering weight is important for different user preferences. Those who prefer a lighter switch might opt for the Black Lotus, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards switches with heavier forces, such as the Black Lotus or the Semi-Silent Linear.

In summary, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while both switches fall under the medium category for bottom out force. Although the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown, users can expect similar results to the Black Lotus for bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences for a lighter touch or a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have different travel distances. The Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Black Lotus's 4.0 mm travel distance is on the more traditional side, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers aiming for faster response times. While both switches offer a different experience, ultimately the choice between them depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is not specifically described in the provided information. However, based on its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, it can be inferred that the Black Lotus switch likely produces a relatively quiet and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as having a subdued sound when pressed, providing a dampened sound that is not completely silent. It also maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, offering a more nuanced and balanced sound profile compared to most switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's configuration and choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, both the Black Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, all of which contribute to an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These qualities enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similarly, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also described as mild and buttery, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It is also mentioned that the switch is polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.

In conclusion, while the specific sound of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is not described, it can be inferred that it produces a quiet and subtle sound based on its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, on the other hand, is described as having a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more nuanced and balanced sound profile. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Black Lotus being described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, and the Semi-Silent Linear as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Overall, both switches offer a pleasurable typing experience with reduced wobble, smooth keystrokes, and a satisfying feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus may be the perfect choice for you. With its silky smooth feel and reduced wobble, typing on these switches will provide maximum pleasure. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a semi-silent topping-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a great option. Its whisper-quiet sound combined with its silky smooth typing feel makes it a popular choice for those who value a more subdued switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more