Tricorn Black SW 6258 is the truest black, with an LRV of 3 and a neutral undertone that looks pure black on the wall.
Onyx 2133-10 is a softer near-black, with an LRV of 5 and a neutral undertone that reads as a very dark charcoal rather than an absolute black.
They are cross-brand (Sherwin-Williams versus Benjamin Moore) and two blacks that homeowners cross-shop side by side. Tricorn Black is the true black benchmark; Onyx is a touch softer and more forgiving. The difference is subtle but visible side by side. Sample both on a photo of your room before you buy a gallon.
Tricorn Black and Onyx are the go-to blacks for doors, trim, cabinets, and accent walls. Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is Sherwin-Williams' truest black, with an LRV of 3 and minimal undertone. Onyx (2133-10) is Benjamin Moore's go-to black, slightly softer at LRV 5 and still neutral but a touch more forgiving in bright light. This is our side-by-side method for comparing paint colors applied to the two benchmark blacks.
The numbers side by side
| Attribute | Tricorn Black SW 6258 | Onyx 2133-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | True black, neutral | Near-black, neutral, soft |
| LRV | 3 | ~5 |
| Approximate hex | #2F2F30 | #2C2D2D |
| Undertone | Neutral, no detectable undertone | Neutral, slightly softer |
| Loves | Modern doors, trim, accent walls | Exterior trim, front doors, softer blacks |
| Watch out for | Reading blue in cool light (subtle) | Reading dark charcoal, not true black |
| Overall vibe | Pure black, absolute, definitive | Soft black, forgiving, practical |
Try it on your house
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The LRV values above are the brands' published figures. Hex and RGB are approximate screen renderings that vary by display; always confirm with a physical sample before buying.
Upload one photo, get a photorealistic render, then swap to Onyx in one click. Free, no signup.
Room by room, exposure by exposure
| Situation | Usual winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Front door | Tricorn Black | The truest black makes a definitive statement that reads as black in all light. |
| Interior doors and trim | Onyx | The slightly softer LRV 5 comes across as a more approachable black on interior details. |
| Accent wall | Onyx | The softer black is more forgiving on a full wall; Tricorn Black can feel visually heavy. |
| Exterior siding | Tricorn Black | The true black holds its depth in direct sun better than the slightly lighter Onyx. |
| Kitchen island | Onyx | The softer black lands on the wall as dark charcoal rather than absolute black, more forgiving in daily use. |
| Modern interior | Tricorn Black | The pure black creates the crisp, architectural lines modern design demands. |
Tricorn Black and Onyx are very close, but the 2-point LRV difference and the slightly softer quality of Onyx create a real choice. For more black comparisons, see our Tricorn Black vs Black Magic guide and our Iron Ore vs Tricorn Black duel.
When to choose Tricorn Black
- You want the truest black paint available on the market.
- You are painting a front door, modern trim, or exterior where absolute black reads best.
- You prefer a neutral black with no warm or cool undertone.
- You want black that reads as black, not dark charcoal.
When to choose Onyx
- You want a near-black that is slightly softer and more forgiving than a true black.
- You are painting large interior surfaces like accent walls or kitchen islands.
- You prefer a black that reads as very dark rather than absolute.
- You want a black that looks black in most light but has a tiny bit more depth. For related comparisons, see Iron Ore vs Peppercorn and Wrought Iron vs Kendall Charcoal.
One photo, two colors, your actual lighting. Free and takes about 30 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Tricorn Black and Onyx?
The main difference is depth and purity. Tricorn Black SW 6258 has an LRV of 3 and a neutral undertone, making it the truest black on the market. Onyx 2133-10 has an LRV of about 5, making it a very soft near-black rather than a true black. Both are neutral, but Tricorn Black is the absolute benchmark.
Which is darker, Tricorn Black or Onyx?
Tricorn Black is darker. Its LRV is 3, compared with about 5 for Onyx. The difference is subtle but visible side by side: Tricorn Black absorbs more light and reads as a truer black, while Onyx is a slightly softer, more forgiving dark charcoal-black.
Do Tricorn Black and Onyx have the same undertones?
Both are relatively neutral. Tricorn Black is known for having no detectable undertone, making it the purest black. Onyx is also neutral but with a slightly softer quality that some describe as more forgiving. Neither leans warm or cool in a noticeable way.
Can I see both colors on my own wall before I buy paint?
Yes. Upload one photo of your room to FacadeColorizer, get a photorealistic render in Tricorn Black, then swap to Onyx in one click. You will see the subtle depth difference on your actual wall. The first HD render and three color variations are free.
Your first HD render and 3 color swaps are free. Try Tricorn Black first, then Onyx.
Trademark notice. Benjamin Moore and Onyx are trademarks of Benjamin Moore & Co. Sherwin-Williams and Tricorn Black are trademarks of The Sherwin-Williams Company. FacadeColorizer is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these companies. Brand and color names are used descriptively (nominative fair use). Hex and RGB values are approximate digital renderings; the only authoritative reference is a physical paint sample.
Trademarks mentioned (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Caparol, Brillux, Sto, Alpina, Valspar, PPG, Glidden, Dulux, Crown Trade, Sandtex, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone's, Leyland) are property of their respective owners. FacadeColorizer is independent and not affiliated with any of them. Nominative fair use under Lanham Act §1125.
