Durock Black Lotus vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two compelling options. The Black Lotus boasts a silky smooth feel and reduced wobble, with a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion offers a pronounced tactile bump for a more tactile typing experience, all while maintaining a medium weight feel at 63.5g. The neutral sound signature of the Thunder Shadow complements its overall balance, showcasing Aflion's commitment to innovation. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Thunder Shadow differ in their top housing composition. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel to the switch. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow's housing gives it a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Black Lotus.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Thunder Shadow share a nylon composition. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Black Lotus and Thunder Shadow switches will provide similar typing experiences and sound profiles due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall performance of the switches, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The Black Lotus's combination of a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing with a nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a premium feel and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a deeper and fuller typing experience. Both switches provide distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, showcasing how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, we see that the Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has an unknown actuation force. Both switches share a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them medium-heavy in that aspect. The difference in actuation force between the two switches can lead to varying typing experiences, with the Black Lotus offering a lighter touch for smoother typing, while the Thunder Shadow may provide a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. The Black Lotus offers a slightly longer distance to travel, which may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's shorter travel distance may be preferred by individuals looking for faster response times, such as avid gamers. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Black Lotus providing a longer travel distance and the Thunder Shadow offering a shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a yet-to-be-determined acoustic profile, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is known for its neutral sound signature, which means it maintains a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various typing environments. However, the ultimate sound produced will also depend on the keyboard and keycaps used with these switches.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus is described as possessing a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, providing smooth and effortless key presses with reduced resistance. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow is characterized as being invigorating, offering pronounced tactile feedback, a firm actuation force, and a reactive feel for an engaging typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus prioritizes smoothness, reduced wobble, and light column lighting, while the Thunder Shadow focuses on a balanced tactile bump, medium weight feel, and a neutral sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother linear switch or a more tactile typing experience, both switches provide unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the specific typing feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth and precise typing experience with a light actuation weight and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump for a more engaging typing feel with a medium weight and neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to determine what qualities you value most in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
