Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Durock White Lotus. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Sunset Yellow switches are known for their captivating sound profile, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. These linear switches have a medium-weight, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The 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. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind. These tactile switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, they feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. While these general pointers provide insights into the switches' characteristics, 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
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, which creates a uniquely pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and exhibits a relatively more muted quality. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, offering a premium and distinctive feel. While both materials contribute to an enjoyable sound, the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow produces a deeper and more subdued tone compared to the modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the White Lotus.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Everglide Sunset Yellow incorporates a POM material that adds to its already pleasing sound profile. This results in a deeper and fuller sound characteristic that typists appreciate. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic choice for switch housings. The nylon material enhances the overall sound experience by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This nylon bottom housing in the White Lotus contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that differs from the Sunset Yellow.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Durock White Lotus switches differ, they play distinct roles in determining the switch's overall sound and tactile feedback. When depression occurs, the qualities of the bottom housing strongly influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing primarily impacts the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific housing materials in these switches may vary, users can expect a similar level of satisfaction in terms of overall sound quality and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it's clear that weight plays a significant role in their typing experiences. The Sunset Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the White Lotus' 46 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Sunset Yellow requires a force of 51 grams, while the White Lotus requires 56 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a satisfying balance for users who prefer a lighter touch.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Sunset Yellow's lower actuation and bottom out forces may be more appealing. This lighter weight enables longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it a suitable choice for individuals who bring their keyboard to work or participate in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a slightly heavier feel, with slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. This increased force can provide a more substantial typing experience, giving users a satisfying push feel with each keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Durock White Lotus comes down to personal preference. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the Sunset Yellow would be the ideal choice. However, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may find the White Lotus to be a better fit. Regardless of the decision, both switches offer similar results in terms of weight, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that there is a notable difference. The Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In the world of keyboard switches, the traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, making the White Lotus adhere closely to this standard. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a shallower travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.2 mm travel distance of the Sunset Yellow would be a better choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper keypress, the 4 mm travel distance of the White Lotus provides a more satisfying depth. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of response time and keypress satisfaction.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White 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 White Lotus for $4.57.
The Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy sound that adds a decadent element to typing. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It offers a more neutral sound that is suitable for various purposes. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. In general, both switches provide unique and pleasant sound experiences, albeit with different characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is known for its distinct gliding feel. This is achieved through a combination of the unique POM stem and a proprietary factory lube method. Typing on these switches can be described as a silky sensation, as the keys effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow is described as frictionless and polished, which further enhances the smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press feel. It has a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The low-impact typing feel of these switches reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus is also described as mild and subtle, indicating a gentle and approachable typing experience with a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sunset Yellow provides a captivating sound profile with a rich, bassy tone, while the White Lotus offers a more low-pitched and neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Sunset Yellow provides a distinct gliding experience with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, while the White Lotus offers an easy-to-press feel that is mild, subtle, and enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be an excellent choice for you if you are looking for a captivating and indulgent typing experience. With its Creamsicle-colored appearance and rich, bassy sound profile, typing on these switches becomes a truly immersive experience. The medium-weight and unique POM stem contribute to a distinct gliding feel, providing a highly responsive typing experience. As for the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it would be the perfect option if you prioritize a delicate tactility and a tranquil typing experience. The White Lotus switches strike the perfect balance between a gentle typing feel and a satisfying tactile feedback, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of your keyboard setup. Ultimately, whether you choose the Sunset Yellow or the White Lotus, both switches offer their own unique qualities and are suitable for different preferences and typing styles. You can't go wrong with either choice, so go ahead and immerse yourself in the world of mechanical keyboard switches!