Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Royal are two popular options that deliver exceptional tactile feedback. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are highly regarded for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a snappy and marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who crave an enhanced typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switches are known for their near-aggressive tactility, providing a sharp and binary tactile experience that is unrivaled. If you're someone who desires the utmost tactile sensation, the Box Royals are the perfect choice. It is important to note that the sound profile of the Box Royals is relatively higher pitched. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch according to your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Royal switches differ in their composition. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel, which may result in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Box Royal is known for its ability to absorb more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials suggests that the Blue Lotus may offer a distinct tactile sensation, while the Box Royal may excel in sound quality.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the Box Royal switches vary. The Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for generating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Meanwhile, the Box Royal also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a similar effect on the sound profile of the switch. Both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, whether using the Blue Lotus or the Box Royal, users can expect a rich and immersive auditory experience during typing.
Despite using different materials for their top and bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and the Box Royal switches offer unique characteristics based on their respective housing components. As users press down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. Conversely, when users release a key, the top housing material will come into play, influencing the sound produced. Though distinct from each other, both the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus and the nylon top housing of the Box Royal potentially contribute to satisfying sound profiles when keys are released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, some key differences emerge. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier, requiring 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Box Royal calls for 45 grams. However, both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. Interestingly, the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is 65 grams, whereas the Box Royal exerts a higher force of 70 grams. This implies that the Blue Lotus provides a slightly lighter typing experience when pressing all the way down.
For those seeking a lighter switch, the Box Royal may be preferable, as its lower actuation force could lead to increased comfort during longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus, given its higher actuation force. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, but the Box Royal presents a slightly lighter alternative, whereas the Blue Lotus delivers a more forceful keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing sensation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Blue Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance may be a better choice for you. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and in such cases, the Box Royal with its slightly shorter travel distance could be a more suitable option. Overall, the difference in travel distances between the Blue Lotus and the Box Royal is minor, and using either of these switches should provide similar results.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switches produce a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Blue Lotus switches would be a better choice. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them a medium tactile option. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches contribute to their snappy and responsive feel, adding liveliness to the typing experience. Additionally, the stepped design of these switches gives a sensation of pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity. This means that the tactile bump in these switches is strong and crisp, resulting in a distinct feel with each keypress. If you prefer a more aggressive and intense tactility, the Box Royal switches would be a suitable choice.
Considering all the available information, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh Box Royal tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches deliver a marked tactile feel with snappiness and a bassy sound profile, while the Box Royal switches provide an aggressive and sharp tactile experience with a relatively higher pitched sound. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a medium tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switches would be a good option. On the other hand, if you appreciate a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal switches would be a better fit. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary and it is always recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits your typing style and preferences the best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are someone who values a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are an excellent choice for you. With their slightly reduced travel and prominent tactile bump, these switches offer a snappy and accented typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, providing vibrant RGB illumination for an aesthetically pleasing setup. On the other hand, if you prefer an even more aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal switches are the way to go. These switches deliver a sharp and crisp tactile feedback with each keypress, making them perfect for those seeking a highly tactile and audibly distinct typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Box Royal switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile intensity, sound profile, and visual appeal. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences and overall keyboard setup.
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