Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Box Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices that offer distinct characteristics are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Jade. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are revered for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that many enthusiasts enjoy. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column, resulting in vibrant and glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade switches are known for delivering a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jades offer an invigorating typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh Box Jade switches have different housing materials, resulting in distinct characteristics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Box Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Both materials offer unique advantages. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus provides a premium feel, while the polycarbonate of the Box Jade delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. If you seek a switch with aesthetic appeal and compatibility with RGB lighting, the translucent polycarbonate housing of the Box Jade is particularly useful. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the typing experience on both switches will elicit similar characteristics in terms of sound, but their respective top housings will contribute to different sound profiles upon key release.
The different materials used in the top housing of the Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh Box Jade switches have a direct impact on their sound profiles. The modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Blue Lotus creates a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it a popular choice for switches with clear housing that allow for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Box Jade's top housing would not provide the same premium feel as the Blue Lotus due to its different material. However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housing, both switches share the same material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience on both switches.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the material of the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Both the Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh Box Jade switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience compared to harder plastics. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be noticeable. On the other hand, the top housing material becomes more prominent when you release a key. The modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Blue Lotus and the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade will both contribute to the sound profile upon key release, but with distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, one significant difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus requires slightly more force to actuate, with an actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Box Jade's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Lotus also requires slightly more force, with a bottom out force of 65 grams, compared to the Box Jade's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Box Jade might be the preferable choice, as it requires a slightly lighter actuation force. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as professionals who bring their keyboards to work or avid gamers indulging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, if one desires a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Blue Lotus, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may be the preferred option.
While the differences in actuation and bottom out forces exist between these switches, it's important to note that the variances are relatively minor. As a result, the typing experience between the two switches would be quite similar for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Jade will depend on the individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier touch during typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch have slightly different travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Box Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Blue Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Box Jade with its slightly shorter travel distance could be the more suitable choice. It ultimately depends on personal preference and how you prefer your keystrokes to feel.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to comparing the subjective qualities of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, there are some noticeable differences. Starting with sound, the Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range. On the other hand, the Box Jade switches provide a high-pitched sound with crisp clicks. If you prefer a sharper and more distinctive sound, the Box Jade switches might be more suitable for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, both switches are described as accented, which means they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This suggests that both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience while typing. The Blue Lotus switches are also described as snappy, indicating that they are highly responsive and provide a lively typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, which contributes to their snappiness. On the other hand, the Box Jade switches are described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This suggests that they provide an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Blue Lotus and Box Jade switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switches have a slightly reduced travel distance and offer a bassy sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a marked tactile feel along with a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Box Jade switches provide a high-pitched sound and an invigorating typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If you enjoy the qualities mentioned for either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the specific descriptor used (e.g., accented tactility) but with their own unique nuances.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches are known for their snappiness and slightly reduced travel, making them highly responsive. In terms of sound, they offer a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The Box Jade switches, on the other hand, are ideal for those who prefer a clicky sound profile and higher-pitched clicks. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, they offer a medium typing experience. The Box Jade switches provide a crisp click and crunchy tactile bumps, creating an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactile intensity, sound profile, and visual appeal.
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