Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Box CJ
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Box CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Box CJ offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus from Durock is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches provide both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ offers typists a smooth and rapid typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and effortless gliding. Whether you prefer a snappy and accented switch like the Blue Lotus or a clacky and chirpy switch like the Box CJ, both options have something unique to offer. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Box CJ differ in composition and properties. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Box CJ uses a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the Box CJ also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the Box CJ offer distinct advantages based on their compositions. The use of polycarbonate in the Box CJ's top housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Box CJ is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, whereas the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing provides a premium tactile feel that may appeal to a different audience.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Box CJ ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. While the Blue Lotus offers a unique blend of materials for a premium feel, the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper sound profile suitable for those seeking a crisper typing experience. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, demonstrating the importance of considering these factors when selecting a switch for your keyboard setup.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides insight into their different typing experiences. The Blue Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. This indicates that the Blue Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for users who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Box CJ provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Blue Lotus is the shorter of the two switches. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing feel for some users. Both switches offer a relatively close travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of key press feedback and actuation despite the slight variation in distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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 Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy tone, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the typing experience, with the Blue Lotus switches offering a more resonant and bass-heavy sound, while the Box CJ switches providing a more crisp and percussive tone. Your choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even typing technique can further influence the sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means that users can expect a medium tactile feel with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The switch also offers a snappy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its design that provides a swift feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience with characteristics that fall into a safe, middle-ground zone. This suggests that the Box CJ switches may provide a smoother and more consistent typing feel, suitable for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a deep and rich bassy sound with a snappy and responsive typing experience, while the Box CJ switch offers a sharp and clacky sound with a mild and gentle typing feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches can deliver satisfying results based on the user's specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a snappy, medium-heavy bottom out force, and enjoy a striking visual aesthetic with RGB lighting, then the Blue Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and swift linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, higher-pitched clacks, and the option to customize lubrication to your liking, then the Box CJ could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
