Jerrzi Lotus V2 vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Lotus V2 and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options to suit their typing preferences and gaming needs. The Jerrzi Lotus V2 is a promising option, known for its smooth feel during keystrokes, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize fluid typing experiences. In contrast, the renowned Cherry MX Black switches bring a legacy of reliability, enhanced by Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, which elevates their classic textured smoothness and provides a satisfying deep sound profile. While the Lotus V2 may appeal to those who enjoy a softer, uninterrupted linear response, the Cherry MX Black switches cater to users who appreciate a firmer feel and a distinct acoustic quality. Both switches have their merits, making them suitable for different types of users; 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Lotus V2 and Cherry MX Black switches each embody distinct yet complementary design philosophies in their housing materials, contributing to their unique sound profiles and user experiences. The Lotus V2 utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is praised for producing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper and more muted side, allowing for a typing experience that is satisfying and softened. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Although both switches prioritize a richer sonic experience, the difference in materials shapes the nuances of sound when typing, with the POM offering a more pronounced dullness compared to the vibrant resonance associated with nylon.
When considering the bottom housings, both the Lotus V2 and Cherry MX Black switches continue to showcase the impact of their respective materials on the overall performance. The Lotus V2’s POM bottom housing reinforces a cohesive sound character, further contributing to a deeper, muted sound profile that many users find appealing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Black offers similar benefits in generating a fuller sound, absorbing vibrations that lead to a sound profile that is duller and rounder. Despite the distinct materiality of the bottom housings, both switches share a focus on sound absorption, allowing them to deliver results that prioritize a satisfying auditory experience for users.
Ultimately, while the Jerrzi Lotus V2 and Cherry MX Black switches present differences in their housing materials—the former employing POM and the latter nylon—they share a common goal of optimizing typing sound and feel. The impact of each housing material on the overall switch performance can vary, particularly concerning the bottom-out sound produced by the bottom housing and the release sound influenced by the top housing. Despite the differences in material composition, both the Lotus V2 and MX Black achieve similar auditory results by focusing on sound attenuation and comfort, ensuring a delightful typing experience that resonates well with users regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Lotus V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, notable differences emerge that may influence user preference. The Lotus V2 boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Cherry MX Black requires a heavier 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Lotus V2 more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users may find it less straining over time. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black’s bottom out force is significantly heavier at 80 grams, providing a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Lotus V2 is unavailable, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons on this aspect. Overall, users looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Jerrzi Lotus V2, whereas those who appreciate a firmer keystroke and bottoming-out experience might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Lotus V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence your typing experience significantly: the Lotus V2 offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in a more responsive feel that's particularly favored by gamers seeking quick actions. In contrast, the MX Black's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper engagement that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid response times and a lighter touch, the Jerrzi Lotus V2 would be the ideal choice, whereas the Cherry MX Black could be more suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Lotus V2 has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus V2 for $3.59.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Jerrzi Lotus V2's qualities remain undefined, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their low-pitched sound profile, which produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. This sound quality contributes to a more subdued auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer quieter operation. The overall sound experience can vary depending on the specific keyboard design and the choice of keycaps, which is an important factor to consider.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Lotus V2 lacks any specific descriptive qualities, creating an unknown variable for newcomers trying to understand how it performs in this regard. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches are characterized by a textured and somewhat stiff feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out. This stiffness provides clear tactile feedback, allowing users to feel when they have pressed a key sufficiently, although the noticeable friction may be a preference that varies among users. Some might appreciate the textured feel for its unique typing experience, while others may lean towards a smoother option.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Black switches have defined characteristics in both sound and feel—offering a deep, mellow sound along with a textured and stiff typing experience—the qualities of the Jerrzi Lotus V2 in these areas remain unknown. Therefore, one can expect that if you prefer the tactile feedback and sound profile of the Cherry MX Blacks, you may not find similar attributes in the Lotus V2, which keeps its qualities a mystery for the time being. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, particularly if you're looking for defined sound and tactile feedback or are open to exploring the unknown qualities of the Lotus V2.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Lotus V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, your preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you prefer a lighter and potentially more forgiving switch, the unquantified bottom out force of the Lotus V2 might cater to your needs, especially if you enjoy a quick response without the heavier tactile feedback. However, with the MX Black, you’ll be embracing a more substantial typing experience, as its 80 grams bottom-out force requires more effort, making it suitable for those who appreciate a firmer and more deliberate touch, particularly in gaming or typing scenarios where precision is paramount. The MX Black also stands out with its low-pitched, textured sound profile, which offers a classic experience that is both familiar and enjoyable for many users. Ultimately, if you value a smooth and responsive feel without the weight of a firm switch, go for the Jerrzi Lotus V2. Conversely, if you seek durability and don't mind a heavier actuation point paired with a satisfying sound, the Cherry MX Black is likely the better fit for you.
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