Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Box White V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box White V2 are two exceptional options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus switches are celebrated for their pronounced tactile feedback and quicker response time, thanks to a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm. This makes them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a robust tactile sensation without sacrificing speed. Additionally, their detachable light column allows for striking RGB illumination, blending performance with aesthetic appeal. Conversely, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their distinctive clicky sound and crisp tactile response, making each keystroke a satisfying auditory experience ideal for those who thrive on audible feedback during typing or gaming sessions. While the Blue Lotus excels in versatile performance and visual flair, the Box White V2 focuses on delivering a traditional clicky experience that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts cherish. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh Box White V2 switches feature distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their overall sound and feel characteristics. The Blue Lotus uses a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-processed engineering (UPE) plastic for its top housing, which contributes to a unique and premium tactile experience. This blend allows for a balance between durability and a softer feel, offering a typing experience that feels refined. In contrast, the Box White V2 utilizes pure polycarbonate for its top housing, which imparts a sharper, more high-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature results in a clearer and more resonant audio profile, making the Box White V2 ideal for users who prefer a crisper auditory feedback when typing. While both switches benefit from the advantages of polycarbonate, the specific blend used in the Blue Lotus adds a layer of complexity that differentiates it from the Box White V2.

On the other hand, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box White V2 feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is widely recognized for its acoustic properties, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This shared bottom housing material means that both switches will deliver similar sound characteristics when bottoming out, utilizing nylon's sound-absorbing qualities to create a rounder auditory experience. This compatibility suggests that gamers and typists looking for a deeper sound can find satisfaction with either model, especially during heavy usage where the bottom housing's impact on the sound and feel is felt most significantly.

Overall, while the Blue Lotus and Box White V2 might deliver a comparable auditory experience from their nylon bottom housings, their top housings embody different philosophies. The modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus offers a more versatile and premium feel compared to the straight-use polycarbonate in the Box White V2, which favors clarity and resonant sharpness. This means that when typing on the Durock Blue Lotus, the tactile experience will feel smoother and more refined compared to the more pronounced, clicky sound of the Box White V2. Ultimately, users may choose between the two switches based on their personal preference for sound profiles, as well as the tactile sensation they desire while typing.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, significant differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies it as a medium-heavy switch, making it suitable for those who prefer a substantial push feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to users who favor a lighter touch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, the Blue Lotus is the heavier option, while the Box White V2 is the lighter one. Users seeking a typing experience that balances comfort and tactile feedback might find the differences in these forces influential in their switch choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, we find that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Box White V2 measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Box White V2 the shorter option by just 0.1 mm, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses for faster response times. Conversely, the Blue Lotus, with its slightly longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press, providing a more tactile experience that some users might find more satisfying. While both switches are relatively close in dimensions, the preference for either will largely depend on individual priorities regarding key responsiveness versus tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus switch, it is characterized as having a bassy quality, producing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This sound profile lends itself to a more fulfilling auditory experience, resonating with lower frequencies that can be satisfying for users who appreciate that tonal depth. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 switch is known for its crisp audible click, providing a sharper and more pronounced sound with each keystroke. Together, these switches cater to different auditory preferences, with the Blue Lotus appealing to those who enjoy a bassier tone and the Box White V2 attracting users who prefer a distinct clicking noise. However, it’s worth noting that the overall sound will also be influenced by other variables such as the specific keyboard used and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a nuanced typing experience. It features an accented tactile feedback, which strikes a balance between being too subtle or overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a tangible tactile response. This switch also has a snappy characteristic, thanks to its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, allowing for quick and responsive actuations, enhancing the overall typing experience. The stepped nature of the Blue Lotus adds another layer, providing a clear distinction between pre-travel and the main actuation point, giving it a more dynamic feel as users type. Unfortunately, the Kailh Box White V2's tactile mechanism is not explicitly detailed here, leaving its nuanced feel characteristics less defined.

Overall, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh Box White V2 switches, potential users should consider their personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Blue Lotus provides a bassy sound profile with a well-rounded, tactile experience that includes snappiness and a stepped action. On the other hand, the Box White V2 presents a sharper auditory experience with its distinctive click, although its tactile feel remains less explored in this context. Ultimately, both switches deliver satisfying results, catering to distinct typing experiences that are highly reliant on individual preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, your specific preferences and typing style will greatly influence your choice. If you appreciate a medium-heavy switch with pronounced tactile feedback and a pleasing bassy sound, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. Its snappy responsiveness and distinct tactile bump make it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience, whether for gaming or typing lengthy documents. Furthermore, its compatibility with vibrant RGB lighting adds an aesthetic element that many find appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a crisp auditory feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 would suit you better. At just 50 grams of actuation force, this switch is designed for speed and efficiency, making it particularly attractive for fast typists and gamers who value quick responses coupled with a delightful click sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal priorities—whether you value a heavier, tactile experience with robust sound or a quicker, lighter typing action with pronounced auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more