Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Box White

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Durock Blue Lotus or the Kailh Box White. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is a highly regarded tactile switch, offering a unique 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 satisfyingly snappy feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding an enticing visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Box White switch from Kailh is a clicky switch that focuses on delivering maximum audio feedback. It produces a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound, accompanied by defined tactility during typing. The Box White switch is perfect for those who appreciate that audible and tangible response while typing. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Kailh Box White Clicky

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$2.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box White have some similarities and differences in their housing materials. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.

However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches. The Blue Lotus has a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Box White features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between the Blue Lotus and the Box White ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Box White. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches offer a similar medium level of resistance. The Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that once the keys are pressed all the way down, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of resistance.

Considering weight is important when choosing a switch, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Box White switch, as its lower actuation force can allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for tasks like work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger and more substantial push feel, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Blue Lotus may be more appealing. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, either switch would provide a similar result. However, it is worth noting that the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance, offering a slightly deeper feel when compared to the Box White. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Box White to be too abrupt, while others may prefer the hearty depth provided by the longer travel distance of the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. This adds a sense of depth and richness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switches offer a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches gives a clean and sharp sound experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The Box White switches also produce a higher-pitched sound, making them a good choice for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound.

Moving on to feel, the Blue Lotus switches have an accented tactile feel. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They are described as medium tactile switches that deliver a satisfying tactile feedback. The Blue Lotus switches are also snappy, resulting in a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness can be attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs used in these switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switches are polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. These switches have reduced friction and smooth key travel, which enhances the overall feel.

Considering all the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their tactile intensity, snappiness, and detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. These switches offer a marked tactile feel with a deep and rich bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switches are praised for their maximum audio feedback, resonant and high-pitched sound profile, and polished feel. While they have different sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of performance and visual appeal.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus would be a great choice. With its slightly reduced travel and medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer swift responsiveness and a satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, they come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, if maximum audio feedback is what you desire, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the better option. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches produce a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound and provide an accentuated tactility when typing. Moreover, they offer a polished finish for a sleek and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the Blue Lotus and the Box White will depend on your preference for tactile feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more