Durock Black Lotus vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both switches offer unique features and benefits for different typing preferences. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and 55g actuation weight, making it a great choice for those who prefer a buttery and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are known for their neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and widespread acclaim for delivering comfort and precision. While both switches cater to different typing styles, the Black Lotus leans towards a smoother and slightly heavier feel, while the Sky V3 offers a more neutral and subdued typing experience. 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
40g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 both have their own unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE blend top housing, which provides a premium and unique feel, while the Sky V3 uses a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches use nylon, which gives a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 offer a high-quality typing experience. The use of modified PC & UPE blend in the Black Lotus's top housing may provide a different tactile feel compared to the crisper sound profile of the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, which helps create a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the Black Lotus or the sharper sound of the Sky V3, typing on either switch will offer a satisfying experience.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. The unique qualities of the housing materials in each switch contribute to their distinct characteristics. While the Black Lotus may offer a more premium feel with its modified PC & UPE blend top housing, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the feel of the top housing or the sound of the bottom housing, both switches offer a high-quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the Black Lotus is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. This means that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Sky V3 offers a lighter touch for potentially longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When typing on either of these switches, you can expect a consistent and similar key press experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Sky V3, you will get a comparable typing feel with a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches offer a smooth and linear typing experience with the same travel distance, providing a consistent feel across both options.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 known for its subtle and subdued sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a neutral sound signature that is suitable for a variety of typing preferences. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used, contributing to the overall acoustics experienced during typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Black Lotus is praised for its silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, delivering a smooth and refined key press with minimal resistance. The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and precise typing feel, catering to the needs of enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Overall, while the Durock Black Lotus and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches differ slightly in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their own unique features. Whether you prioritize a quieter sound profile like the Black Lotus or prefer a neutral sound signature like the Sky V3, you can expect similar levels of comfort and precision from both switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a smooth and precise typing feel, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature and a medium-light weight switch that offers a gentle typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
