Durock Black Lotus vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, this linear switch provides maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and manageable. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a unique light column that offers in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow, categorized as 'Bassy', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', and 'Thocky', offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. This switch provides a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that transforms typing into an indulgent experience. It features a medium-weight design suitable for a wide range of users. The Sunset Yellow's unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have distinct differences in their housing materials, resulting in unique typing experiences. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a premium feel and potentially a unique sound profile upon key release. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow switch utilizes a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound when letting go of a key. While both switches provide pleasing sound profiles, the Black Lotus may offer a slightly sharper and crisper tone due to its modified PC and UPE Blend material.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Black Lotus incorporates a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is known for its softer texture and sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch employs a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep sound profile but with a relatively more muted tone. While both switches possess bottom housings that enhance the sound experience, the nylon material of the Black Lotus may offer a slightly more pronounced and immersive typing sound.

Overall, if the top and bottom housings are different for each switch, the qualities brought by each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the Black Lotus will grab the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottom-out. In contrast, the sound when letting go of a key will be influenced more by the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow switch will exhibit the characteristics of its POM bottom housing upon bottom-out, while the POM top housing may have a stronger impact on the sound during key release. Despite these variations, both switches provide unique and pleasing sound profiles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that they have notable differences. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the Sunset Yellow requires a lighter 43 grams. This means that the Black Lotus requires a slightly greater force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Sunset Yellow. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus is again heavier, requiring 63.5 grams, while the Sunset Yellow measures 51 grams.

These variances in force have implications for different typing preferences. Those who prioritize a lightweight typing experience may lean towards the Sunset Yellow, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, ideal for extended work sessions or gaming marathons. However, for individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing feel, the Black Lotus would be a preferred choice. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push and a uniquely satisfying typing experience.

It is worth noting that while the forces between the two switches differ, both fall within the medium range. Therefore, if the weight of the switch is a significant consideration, individuals can still achieve similar results with either switch, as they both provide a moderate typing experience. Nonetheless, those specifically looking for a lighter option may opt for the Sunset Yellow, while those desiring a heavier feel may find the Black Lotus more suitable.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. A 4 mm travel distance is considered to be more traditional, offering a balanced level of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, a 3.2 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Sunset Yellow may be the better option for you. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, indicating that the sound profile is not explicitly described. However, it is mentioned that the Black Lotus offers a unique in-switch lighting system with a fully removable light column. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is characterized as having a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It is described as rich, bassy, and decadent, providing a delightful typing experience. The sound can be described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers several descriptors. It is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. A silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Butteriness refers to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic suggests that the switch provides a gentle typing experience, falling within a safe middle-ground zone. Finally, the polished attribute indicates a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished in terms of feel. A creamy switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. This sensation is achieved through either factory lubrication or specific materials. A frictionless switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, ensuring a fluid travel. Lastly, the polished characteristic indicates a switch with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus is known for its silky and buttery feel, with a unique and removable in-switch lighting system, while the Sunset Yellow provides a rich, bassy sound profile and a creamy, frictionless feel. Both switches feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although the sound and feel characteristics differ between the two switches, both can provide enjoyable typing experiences depending on personal preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its silky, buttery, and polished feel ensures effortless and uniform keystrokes, providing a refined typing experience. Additionally, the Black Lotus offers unparalleled precision and reduced wobble, enhancing overall typing pleasure. Although slightly heavier with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the medium-heaviness adds to the substantial feel without being overly burdensome.

On the other hand, if you appreciate a captivating sound profile and a highly responsive typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the perfect fit. These Creamsicle-colored switches produce a rich, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, adding a touch of indulgence to your typing. With a medium-light weight and a combination of a very short travel and a long-pole stem, Sunset Yellows provide a sharp and highly responsive typing experience. The POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, offering a smooth and frictionless typing sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value a silky smooth and precise typing experience, go for the Black Lotus. If you prioritize a captivating and indulgent sound profile with a highly responsive typing experience, opt for the Sunset Yellow. Both switches deliver exceptional performance and satisfaction, ensuring an enjoyable typing journey. Select the one that aligns with your preferences and enhances your typing pleasure.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more