Durock Black Lotus vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the linear switch category, there are distinct factors to consider. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduced wobble in both the housing and stem, offering a typing experience that is both polished and enjoyable. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and manageable, and a unique light column for in-switch lighting that is fully removable, the Black Lotus is a popular choice for those seeking a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the Snow switch offers a unique tactile feedback that some users find appealing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Snow both feature top housing materials that are designed to provide a premium typing experience. The Black Lotus utilizes a Modified PC and UPE Blend, which offers a unique and luxurious feel to the switches. On the other hand, the Snow features a POK material known for its smoothness and durability, making it a top choice for switch housing. While both materials are high-quality, they have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus's housing material may provide a more premium feel, while the Snow's material focuses more on smoothness and durability.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Black Lotus and the Snow utilize nylon, a classic choice for switch housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deep and rich sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Snow contribute to their unique typing experiences. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials provides users with varied tactile feedback and sound profiles. The Black Lotus's Modified PC and UPE Blend offers a premium feel, while the Snow's POK material prioritizes smoothness and durability. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer exceptional typing experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their typing style and preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus is the heavier of the two. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Snow is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Snow may be the preferred choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Black Lotus. Regardless of the differences in force, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their smooth linear operation.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth and a slightly more deliberate key press compared to the Snow switch's slightly shallower travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus being on the longer end and the Snow being on the shorter end. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 offers a unique experience with a light column that provides in-switch lighting and a satisfyingly deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch features a thocky sound signature due to its innovative use of POK material for the housing and stem, resulting in a deeper and more resonant typing noise. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Black Lotus leaning towards in-switch lighting and the Snow providing a deeper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is renowned for its silky, buttery typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering unparalleled smoothness. It also boasts reduced wobble for enhanced precision. Conversely, the Dareu Snow linear switch introduces a bouncy feedback sensation, providing a lively and elastic keystroke experience. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities, with the Black Lotus focusing on a polished and refined typing feel, while the Snow delivers a bouncier and more dynamic sensation.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and Dareu Snow linear switch present distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus offers a smooth and polished typing experience with in-switch lighting, while the Snow provides a bouncier feel and thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the smoother precision of the Black Lotus or the lively feedback of the Snow to suit their individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch that offers a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, reduced wobble, and in-switch lighting, then the Black Lotus is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a switch with a deeper sound signature due to its innovative use of POK material, then the Snow switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation weight, sound profile, and typing feel.
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