Gateron’s Black Lotus HE Switches Bring 4.0mm Travel and a Black-and-White Design
Gateron has introduced the Black Lotus HE, a linear magnetic keyboard switch built around 4.0mm of total travel. The company is putting the longer keystroke at the center of its pitch, combining adjustable actuation with a 35gf initial force and a 45gf bottom-out force.
The switches pair a deep black housing with a white stem. Gateron says the Black Lotus name reflects the restrained appearance, with the contrasting colors intended to complement the switch’s solid bottom-out feel.
The 4.0mm stroke describes the full distance the stem can move, while the advertised 0.1–4.0mm actuation range lets users choose where a keypress registers on a supported keyboard. A shallow setting allows activation near the top of the stroke; a deeper setting requires a more deliberate press.
Gateron describes the longer travel as delivering a more substantial bottom-out and a fuller return. Those are the company’s stated goals for the design, with spring resistance increasing from 35gf at the start of the stroke to 45gf at full depression.
Supporting that movement is a cylindrical stem structure surrounding the cross-shaped keycap mount. According to Gateron, it provides support around the stem to keep movement stable when a key is pressed at its center, edge or corner.
The company also highlights a closed-bottom housing design and a proprietary magnetic-core formulation, which it says help produce a more focused, cleaner keystroke sound. The description is a manufacturer claim rather than a hands-on assessment.
A removable light guide completes the design. Gateron says it distributes RGB illumination evenly for a softer effect, while allowing users to remove it according to their preferences.
Gateron Black Lotus HE Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Switch type | Linear magnetic / Hall Effect |
| Total travel | 4.0mm |
| Advertised actuation range | 0.1–4.0mm, depending on keyboard support |
| Initial force | 35gf |
| Bottom-out force | 45gf |
| Initial magnetic flux | 100±8Gs, with a 1.2mm PCB reference |
| Bottom-out magnetic flux | 700±30Gs, with a 1.2mm PCB reference |
| Rated lifespan | At least 150 million keystrokes |
| Stem structure | Cylindrical support with a cross-shaped keycap mount |
| Housing design | Closed-bottom |
| Light guide | Removable |
| Factory lubrication | Yes |
Gateron’s official store lists the Black Lotus HE at $56 for 70 switches, or $0.80 per switch. Buyers should check support for this specific model before upgrading, as magnetic switch compatibility and available actuation settings depend on the keyboard’s sensing hardware and firmware.
