Durock Black Lotus vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Durock Black Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers. On one hand, the Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a favorite among typists who value reduced housing and stem wobble. With an actuation weight of 55g, it strikes the perfect balance between substantial feedback and ease of use. Not to mention, the Black Lotus features a unique light column that provides customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, inspired by the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, are linear "speed" switches that offer a shorter activation and long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. These switches also boast a creamy sound signature, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to every keystroke. While these general points highlight the strengths of each switch, let's dig deeper into their characteristics to help you decide on the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Black Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall performance and aesthetics. One notable difference lies in the top housing material. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper and crisper tone. While both materials excel in their own ways, the PC and UPE blend of the Black Lotus offers a distinct premium feel, while the polycarbonate of the Splash Brothers accentuates sound quality and is particularly useful for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In this aspect, both the Black Lotus and the Splash Brothers share a similarity in their sound characteristics. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that typing on these switches delivers a satisfying and immersive auditory experience.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall performance of the switches, a distinction can be observed. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the tactile response when pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing plays a vital role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that the switch's overall typing experience can be influenced by the specific materials used in each component. Whether it's the premium feel of the Black Lotus's PC and UPE blend or the sharper sound profile of the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate, both switches have their unique qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. 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 actuation force of the Splash Brothers is not specified, but its bottom out force is 48 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch.
For those who prioritize a lighter switch, the Splash Brothers may be the preferred choice. Its lighter bottom out force of 48 grams allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. However, as the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unknown, it is harder to directly compare it with the Black Lotus in terms of triggering a keystroke.
In contrast, the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This can appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel when typing, as it provides a more satisfying tactile feedback. Such a switch might be ideal for those seeking a more robust typing experience or for scenarios where a heavier force is preferred.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers depends on personal preferences and typing requirements. Those looking for a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Splash Brothers, while individuals desiring a heavier, more tactile typing experience may find the Black Lotus to be their ideal choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Black Lotus has a more traditional travel distance, while the Splash Brothers is slightly shallower.
If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers may be preferred. The 0.5 mm difference might not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact in gaming scenarios where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Black Lotus. The 4 mm travel distance provides a sense of depth and a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 Black Lotus switch does not have any specific descriptors provided. However, the Splash Brothers switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound level suitable for various environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as having a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and refined key press with minimal resistance, resulting in a sleek and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and also polished. This suggests that it provides a gentle resistance, responsive feedback, and a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, both switches mention being polished, which means they have a smooth finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Black Lotus and Splash Brothers switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus offers a smooth and refined typing feel, while its sound qualities are unspecified. The Splash Brothers switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and lively typing experience with a neutral sound profile. If you are looking for a smooth and polished switch, both options offer those qualities. However, the specific sound and feel characteristics may vary, and it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its silky and buttery feel, these switches offer unparalleled smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Black Lotus provides a mild and polished experience, resulting in a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and bouncy typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be a great fit. The Splash Brothers offer a mild and subtle feel, making them approachable to most users, while also delivering a snappy and bouncy response. With its polished finish, the Splash Brothers ensure reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Black Lotus and Jwick Splash Brothers depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and response.
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