Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Mute Jade. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their impressive combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, these switches offer a snappy feel that is perfect for those who crave a pronounced tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, making them visually stunning with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switches from Kailh are ideal for users who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. While the sound is unmistakably clicky, it is quieter compared to other clicky switches. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
75g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches differ in several key aspects. Firstly, the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Box Mute Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus creates a unique and premium feel, which contributes to a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the Box Mute Jade employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, they are likely to provide similar sound characteristics. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, which means the nylon bottom housing of both switches will contribute to a deeper and fuller typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches differ in their top housing materials, with the Blue Lotus featuring a modified PC and UPE Blend housing and the Box Mute Jade utilizing a polycarbonate housing. This results in varying tactile and audible sensations when typing on each switch. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, while they may differ in some aspects, both the Blue Lotus and the Box Mute Jade offer satisfying typing experiences with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Blue Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Box Mute Jade's heavier actuation force of 75 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus will require less force to trigger a keystroke, potentially resulting in a lighter and more effortless typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a force of 65 grams, while the Box Mute Jade has a higher force of 82 grams. This indicates that the Box Mute Jade requires more force to fully press the key down, providing a more substantial and satisfying typing feel. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Blue Lotus more suitable, while individuals seeking a stronger push and more pronounced keystrokes may opt for the Box Mute Jade.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the Blue Lotus with its 3.7 mm travel distance would provide a slightly deeper key press, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade, with its slightly shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, would offer a marginally quicker and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preference for either a deeper or more instantaneous key press.
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 Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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 sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches have a crunchy sound profile. Most commonly associated with clicky switches, the sound is similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Lotus and Box Mute Jade switches are described as accented. This means they provide a medium level of tactility that is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience. The Durock Blue Lotus switches are also known for their snappy feel, which is a result of their swift responsiveness and slightly reduced travel distance. While the Box Mute Jade switches are described as stiff, meaning they require more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a smooth key travel experience.
Based on the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination. They have a bassy sound profile and offer a snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches are perfect for those who prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound. They have a crunchy sound profile and provide an accented, polished typing experience. Both switches offer a medium level of tactility, making them suitable for users who desire a prominent tactile feel without being too overwhelming or subtle. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you enjoy a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience without requiring excessive force. They are described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, these switches require a bit more force to actuate and bottom out. They are also described as accented and polished, providing a prominent amount of tactility with a smooth and refined typing experience. The Box Mute Jade switches have a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch depends on your preferences for tactile intensity, sound profile, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your personal preferences and decide which features are most important to you.
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