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Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Weightlessness

An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Weightlessness can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Black Lotus stands out with its silky smooth feel and remarkable precision, designed to minimize wobble for an exceptionally enjoyable typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, this linear switch caters to those who prefer a fluid keystroke without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a different allure, featuring a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that caters to users who enjoy a pronounced sense of activation while typing. The balanced sound profile further enhances its tactile characteristics, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate auditory and tactile cues. Ultimately, choosing between these switches often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound. 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

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Modified PC & UPE Blend

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated

Spring

22mm double-staged spring

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Weightlessness switches present a fascinating study in the application of housing materials, with both exhibiting unique properties that contribute to their overall performance. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, known for providing a distinctive and premium typing experience. This blend offers certain benefits associated with polycarbonate durability combined with the softer feel of UPE, making the top housing potentially more responsive and precise in terms of sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a traditional nylon top housing, which is particularly lauded for its ability to produce deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, delivering a rounder auditory experience upon keystrokes.

Regarding the bottom housings of these switches, both the Black Lotus and Weightlessness adopt nylon for this component as well. While both use nylon, the quality of sound and feel can differ based on the differing top housings. The nylon bottom housing in both cases contributes to an enhanced sound profile, as it will absorb sharper sounds and yield a more muted keystroke. Since the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out feel, typists can expect a consistent sound dampening effect, thereby shaping the tactile experience similarly, even with different top materials.

Overall, the combination of materials in both switches leads to contrasting effects on the typing experience. In the Black Lotus, the modified PC and UPE blend in the top housing introduces a unique tactile feedback that differs from the traditional nylon used in the Weightlessness. However, with both switches sharing nylon at the bottom, typists can anticipate a cohesive sound profile during bottom-out, while the top housing distinctly shapes the sound and feel as each key is released. This dual nature allows users to find a balance in preferences, weighing the precision of the Black Lotus against the deep, warm auditory signature of the Weightlessness, demonstrating how different materials significantly influence the user's experience.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, which some users might appreciate for longer typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its push experience compared to the Black Lotus. As a result, users seeking a more substantial feel should opt for the Black Lotus, while those who prefer a lighter switch might favor the Weightlessness, albeit with uncertainty regarding its maximum force when pressed down completely. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and comfort during extended use.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights a key contrast between the two switches: the Black Lotus provides a more substantial depth, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to users who prefer quicker response times, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming. Those seeking a more immediate actuation might lean towards the Gateron switch, whereas users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience may opt for Durock's Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either the longer and more traditional feel of the Black Lotus or the shorter, more responsive design of the Weightlessness.

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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.

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 characterized by its quiet operation, which allows for a seamless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. Its sound profile tends to be subdued, primarily due to the nature of linear switches which lack a clicky mechanism. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a balanced sound that complements its tactile feedback, producing a subtle but pleasing noise during actuation. This sound is more distinct than linear switches but not overwhelming, making it suitable for those who enjoy some acoustic feedback without the pronounced click of a typical tactile switch.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus excels with its silky, buttery, and polished characteristics. Users will appreciate the exceptionally smooth typing experience, which minimizes resistance and provides a uniform keypress sensation. This creates a mild and refined touch that reduces any friction during typing, enhancing overall comfort and performance. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which might appeal to users who desire a bit of feedback without being overly harsh. This balance means that while it's not as smooth as the Black Lotus, it still creates a satisfying tactile response that adds personality to each keystroke.

In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different typing preferences, with the former focusing on a quiet, smooth experience, and the latter emphasizing a tactile feel blended with a balanced sound. If you enjoy a silky and polished typing sensation, the Black Lotus might be your best bet; however, if you prefer a tactile response with moderate acoustic feedback, the Weightlessness will serve you well. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities that can resonate with different users, and your choice should depend on whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you favor a smooth and precise typing experience, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice, offering a silky, buttery feel and a polished performance with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate considerable feedback without excessive resistance, making it ideal for both typing and gaming sessions where precision is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience that combines a subtle response with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness will cater to your needs. Its gentle tactile feedback provides a satisfying experience for casual typing while keeping the sound unobtrusive. Therefore, consider your typical usage—whether you're looking for the fluidity and smoothness of the Black Lotus or the tactile assurance of the Weightlessness—as this will guide you toward the switch that resonates best with your style.

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