Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between options like the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, featuring a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and control, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a little heft in their keystrokes. The unique light column design also allows for customizable in-switch lighting, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a more serene typing experience with its whisper-quiet operation, perfect for environments where noise is a concern. With a lighter actuation force of 53g, it caters to those who prefer a gentle yet satisfying keystroke, reminiscent of a soft rain tap. Both switches have their unique advantages: while the Black Lotus provides a more pronounced tactile experience and customization options, the Silent Sakura excels in noise reduction and ease of 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches distinctly diverge in their housing materials, specifically in the type of plastics used. The top housing of the Black Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), which is designed to provide a premium feel during use. This combination not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to a unique sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura is equipped with a top housing made of nylon, a classic material that infuses a deeper, fuller sound quality due to its softer composition. This material distinction highlights how varying plastic types can shape the sensory experience of a switch, with the Black Lotus aiming for a refined touch and sound while the Silent Sakura offers a warmer acoustic character.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and Silent Sakura showcase the use of nylon, although the Silent Sakura also features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon used in the Black Lotus enhances the tone with a smoother and more muted resonance, fostering a quiet typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its stiffness, amplifies the auditory feedback with a sharper, crisper sound profile. Therefore, the Silent Sakura's bottom housing adopts a conflicting acoustic approach compared to the Black Lotus, which means that each switch will deliver its unique sound signature influenced by these materials, even if the top housing uses nylon in both cases.
Ultimately, although the Black Lotus and Silent Sakura differ in their top housing materials, both may yield comparable sound profiles. The combination of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures that both will exhibit a somewhat similar acoustic dampening effect, allowing for a more muted typing sound overall. That said, due to their respective top housing materials, the tactile feel experienced while typing and the sound perception upon key release will vary. Users who prioritize sound profile and tactile sensation should consider these material differences when selecting a switch that aligns with their preferences, as the interplay of these factors will ultimately dictate their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct preferences. The Black Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which makes it ideal for those who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Black Lotus is the heavier option. The differences in force create distinct tactile experiences—users seeking a firmer push might prefer the Black Lotus, while those looking for a softer keystroke would likely gravitate towards the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed down. This equal travel distance means that users can expect comparable levels of responsiveness and feel, regardless of which switch they choose. With both switches offering the same 4 mm travel, those seeking a consistent typing experience can confidently select either option without worrying about variations in distance affecting performance.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for its quiet operation, which minimizes disturbances, making it more suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. While specific sound characteristics aren't explicitly detailed, the emphasis on precision suggests it produces a soft, muted sound profile, further enhanced by its smooth actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura has been finely engineered to deliver a whisper-quiet typing experience, described as reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This switch prioritizes a serene soundscape, ensuring that each keystroke goes nearly unnoticed, which is ideal for anyone looking to type quietly without sacrificing performance.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus offers an exceptional typing experience with descriptors like "silky," "buttery," "mild," and "polished." These attributes contribute to an extraordinarily smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring that users will enjoy refined key travel with minimal resistance. This creates an inviting typing experience that balances performance with comfort. Conversely, while specific descriptors for the Silent Sakura's feel are not provided, its lower actuation weight of 53g suggests it is light and likely comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches cater to those looking for a gentle and gratifying experience, but the Black Lotus stands out with its specific refinements.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Silent Sakura linear switches share a commitment to smooth operation and comfort, albeit in different audible profiles. While the Black Lotus may provide a slightly more polished feel with its notable characteristics, the Silent Sakura excels in delivering a serene and unobtrusive sound experience. For typists, both switches cater well to their intended audiences, with the choice largely coming down to personal preference regarding sound and the type of experience one seeks when typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you're someone who enjoys a slightly heavier switch with a more pronounced tactile response, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams offers a satisfying feel, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a robust feedback and silky smooth keystrokes, complemented by its polished finish and minimal wobble. This switch is also great for those who value aesthetics, as it includes a light column for customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, if you work in shared spaces, attend public events, or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams caters to typists who appreciate gentle keystrokes, eliminating noise while still providing a pleasing tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you seek precision and a premium typing sensation, lean towards the Black Lotus; however, if whisper-quiet operation and a lighter touch are your main concerns, the Silent Sakura - 53g will serve you well.
Mentioned in this article
