Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock Blue Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Blue Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and Durock Blue Lotus offer unique features and qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, ensuring minimal housing and stem wobble for a satisfying typing experience. With a moderate actuation weight of 55g, it strikes a balance between being substantial enough without feeling too heavy. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a removable light column, providing customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switches focus on a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. These switches offer a satisfying tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy a distinct tactile feedback while typing. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, the Blue Lotus switches offer enhanced snappiness. Furthermore, their detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating aspect to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and Durock Blue Lotus switches both feature a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing them with a unique and premium feel. Whether you choose the Black or Blue Lotus, you can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. However, when it comes to the sound profile, the top housing of each switch will have a greater influence. This means that the sound produced when releasing a key may vary between the two.
While the top housings are identical, the bottom housings of the Black Lotus and Blue Lotus differ. The Black Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. This material has the advantage of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Blue Lotus also features a nylon bottom housing, meaning that it shares this acoustic quality with the Black Lotus. Therefore, you can expect a similar sound experience when using either switch.
Overall, the key differences between the Durock Black Lotus and Durock Blue Lotus switches lie in the material of their bottom housings. While the top housings are the same, the bottom housings provide unique sound characteristics. The Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Blue Lotus shares this quality. So, whether you choose the Black or Blue Lotus, you can enjoy a premium feel, similar sound profile, and a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures that regardless of the switch chosen, users will get a similar responsive typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight variation between the two switches. The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Blue Lotus switch will provide a slightly stronger push feel during typing, giving users a more substantial typing experience compared to the Black Lotus switch.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for tasks like office work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more robust typing experience may find the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch more suitable, as it has a slightly higher bottom out force.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch share the same actuation force, their bottom out forces differ slightly. This discrepancy caters to users with varying preferences regarding the weight and push feel of their keyboard switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Black Lotus is considered to be more traditional, while the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Blue Lotus is shallower. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more pronounced typing experience may opt for the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer their unique advantages, so it is important to consider your preferences when making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black 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 Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus switch is not described in the provided information. However, based on its smooth feel and reduced wobble, it is likely to produce a quieter and more stable sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as "Bassy," offering a deeper and richer sound profile compared to the Black Lotus switch. This lower frequency range resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones, providing a more satisfying auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described as "Silky," "Buttery," "Mild," and "Polished." These descriptors indicate that the Black Lotus switch offers an exceptionally smooth, fluid, and gentle typing experience. Its polished finish and reduced friction contribute to a sleek typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as "Accented," "Snappy," and "Stepped." These descriptions suggest that the Blue Lotus switch provides a medium level of tactility, offering a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. Its snappiness and stepped feel make the typing experience more responsive and dynamically engaging.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and Blue Lotus switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus switch provides a silky smooth feel, minimal resistance, and a stable, yet unknown, sound profile. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switch delivers a more tactile and responsive typing experience with a bassy sound. Both switches feature a removable light column for customizable RGB illumination, providing visual appeal along with their performance. However, if you prefer a smoother and gentler typing experience, the Black Lotus switch may be the better choice, while the Blue Lotus switch is more suitable for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel with responsive feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value smoothness, precision, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is the choice for you. With its silky and buttery feel, these switches provide an exceptional typing experience with minimal resistance. The unique light column adds a visually appealing touch, making it a well-rounded option.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with snappiness and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Blue Lotus is the switch to consider. It offers a marked tactile feel without being overwhelming, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tactile intensity. The detachable light column adds vibrant and glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal.
When it comes to sound, the Black Lotus is not specifically described, while the Blue Lotus is characterized as having a bassy sound, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus is characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped, offering a medium tactile feel with responsiveness and a two-stage sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch depends on your preferences for smoothness versus tactile intensity, as well as visual appeal. Both switches excel in their respective features and will enhance your typing pleasure.
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