Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both switches are linear and offer a smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced wobble for maximum typing pleasure. It has a 55g actuation weight that provides a substantial but not overly heavy typing experience. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds in-switch lighting that can be fully removed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its affordability without compromising on quality, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. The Smoothie switch is known for its buttery feel and low-pitched, creamy sound. 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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus features a unique housing material combination of Modified PC & UPE Blend for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The blend of PC and UPE creates a premium feel with a satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the Black Lotus offers a combination of materials for a varied typing experience, the Smoothie maintains consistency for a cohesive sound throughout.
Both the Black Lotus and the Smoothie boast housing materials that contribute to a pleasing sound profile, albeit in different ways. The nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM housing of the Smoothie creates a unique, deeper, and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer an equally enjoyable typing experience with their distinctive sound signatures. Whether you prefer the fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing or the unique sound of the POM housing, both switches provide a premium typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Black Lotus and the Smoothie play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing of each switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The combination of materials in the Black Lotus offers a balanced typing experience with a premium feel, while the consistent POM housing of the Smoothie maintains a uniform sound profile. Overall, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience, with the housing materials playing a key role in shaping the sound and feel of each key press.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. The Black Lotus offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a substantial push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger keypress. In contrast, the Smoothie provides a lighter actuation force, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for keypress weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Smoothie's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus offering a bit more depth in keypress feel. Gamers may prefer the Smoothie for its shorter travel distance, leading to faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes may lean towards the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feedback.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 unique light column providing in-switch lighting but specific sound characteristics are not explicitly described. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is said to produce a thocky sound with low-pitched and subdued qualities. Both switches are likely to provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Smoothie offering a deeper thocky sound compared to the Black Lotus, which may have a lighter and more subtle sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky and polished characteristics, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. The Gateron Smoothie, on the other hand, boasts a buttery and creamy feel, indicating a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches are likely to offer a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, with the Black Lotus potentially feeling slightly more refined and the Smoothie feeling smoother and more fluid in keystrokes.
Taking into account the available information, both switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie, excel in providing a high-quality typing experience with different but equally desirable characteristics. While the Black Lotus focuses on a precise and wobble-free typing experience with potential for in-switch lighting, the Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness at an attractive price point. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile, feel, and any other features that may be of importance to the user. Regardless of the choice, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, actuation weight, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a switch with a unique light column feature, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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