Gateron Beer vs. Durock Blue Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Durock Blue Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Durock Blue Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Beer switch stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color, lightweight feel, and stepped tactility, providing a subtle tactile feedback compared to the continuous curve of traditional switches. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switch from Durock offers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who prefer a marked tactile feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switch comes with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visual flair to your setup. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Durock Blue Lotus switches both offer unique qualities that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a crisp sound while typing. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel and likely a different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer. Both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct typing experiences for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to the sharp and clear sound profile of the switch. The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing creates a consistent typing experience that complements the characteristics of the top housing. In contrast, the Durock Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This difference in material results in a more muted and round sound when typing on the Blue Lotus switch compared to the Beer switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. While both the Gateron Beer and the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer unique sound profiles and feels due to their different housing materials, they both prioritize creating a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate materials or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon materials, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is heavier in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Beer, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Blue Lotus has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Beer's 3.4 mm distance allows for a quicker key response, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will result in a unique typing experience, whether you opt for the shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise that can be described as crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Beer switch leaning towards a more percussive sound and the Blue Lotus switch emphasizing a lower frequency range resembling the depth of bass tones.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility of the Beer switches provides a subtle feel with distinguishable pre-travel and post-travel stages, enhancing the typing experience with a responsive and low-impact feel. Conversely, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is characterized as accented and snappy, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The snappiness of the Blue Lotus switches adds a heightened level of responsiveness to keystrokes, making typing feel more lively and engaging.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch emphasizes a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, the Blue Lotus switch provides a bassy sound profile and accented, snappy feel with a detachable light column for added visual appeal. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Each switch offers a distinct typing experience, ensuring that users will get a unique and enjoyable feel regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more subtle tactile experience with a clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a more pronounced tactile feel with a snappy response, and a bassy sound profile, the Durock Blue Lotus switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding key feel, sound, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
