Durock Black Lotus vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Jwick Taro offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Black Lotus is a linear switch, known for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, making it a delight for typing enthusiasts. With reduced housing and stem wobble, this switch ensures maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a perfect balance between substantial and manageable. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique removable light column, providing in-switch lighting for those who value aesthetics. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro is a tactile switch with a cozy and subdued color scheme. While typing on these switches, users can expect a snappy medium-level of tactility, producing sharp and crisp clacks. If you prioritize a neutral and buttery feel, the Taro switch might be the one for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and Jwick Taro switches offer distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile by producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Both these materials provide their own benefits, with the Black Lotus offering a distinct feel and the Taro enhancing the sound experience through its stiffer polycarbonate construction. However, in terms of aesthetics, both switches bring a similar quality as the polycarbonate material used in the Taro's top housing is likely to provide the same translucent effect as the modified PC and UPE Blend material used in the Black Lotus, making them suitable for RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and Jwick Taro switches employ nylon, a classic switch housing material. This choice of material in each switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience due to the absorption quality of the nylon bottom housing. Whether it is the Black Lotus or the Taro, users can expect a satisfying and distinctive sound profile when typing on these switches.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall user experience, it becomes evident that the bottom housing has a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will directly influence the sensation of pressing a key and the resulting sound. On the other hand, the top housing's impact is more prominent when users release a key, affecting the sound produced at the moment of key release. Therefore, while the materials differ in their specific qualities, both the Black Lotus and Taro switches maintain a balance between the top and bottom housing materials, ensuring a well-rounded experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, providing a medium-heavy resistance to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Taro's actuation force remains unavailable, making it difficult to assess the exact force required for activation. In terms of bottoming out, the Black Lotus has a force of 63.5 grams, while the Taro weighs slightly heavier at 67 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, offering a substantial typing experience. However, it's worth mentioning that the lack of information regarding the Taro's actuation force makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Black Lotus may be a better option, allowing for longer typing periods, while those seeking a more forceful keystroke may find the slightly heavier Taro more suitable.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro. If you prefer a keyboard with a more responsive feel, the Taro's shorter travel distance would be a better choice as it allows for faster response times. However, if you prefer a deeper and more deliberate key press, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance may better suit your preferences. Overall, both switches offer a different experience based on their travel distances, allowing individuals to choose what feels more comfortable and enjoyable for their typing or gaming needs.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 not specifically described in the given information. However, based on its 55g actuation weight and smooth feel, we can expect a relatively quiet and subtle sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's housing and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a "snappy, medium-level of tactility" and producing "acute and crisp clacks." Although the specific sound descriptor is not provided, we can infer that the Taro switches will have a more pronounced and audible sound profile compared to the Black Lotus linear switches.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is described as offering a "silky smooth" typing experience. This suggests that the switch provides minimal resistance and a fluid key press, resulting in enhanced smoothness and precision. Additionally, the mentions of reducing housing and stem wobble further indicate the stability and consistency of the switch during typing.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a "buttery" keystroke experience. Similar to the Black Lotus, this implies a smooth and fluid typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switches are mentioned to have a "stepped" feel, indicating that there may be a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation during the keystroke. This adds a level of tactility without being overly pronounced, making the switch comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus provides a smooth and stable typing experience with a relatively quiet sound profile, while the Taro offers a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback and a crisper sound. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches can provide satisfying results, ensuring an overall pleasant mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a smooth typing experience with reduced wobble, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a substantial actuation weight without being too heavy. The unique light column also adds an aesthetic element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a cozy color scheme, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is worth considering. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a snappy, medium-level of tactility, producing acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, the Black Lotus switch also offers a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and Jwick Taro switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you desire.
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