Durock Blue Lotus vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the differences between switches can be crucial. The Durock Blue Lotus stands out as a tactile switch, offering a pronounced tactile bump and immediate responsiveness, thanks to its slightly shortened travel distance of 3.7mm—ideal for users who appreciate a tactile sensation with each keystroke. Its conspicuous tactile feel enhances typing satisfaction, while the detachable light column allows for eye-catching RGB illumination, making it an appealing choice for those who value both performance and aesthetics. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny, categorized as a linear switch, is designed to deliver a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, yielding a more fluid experience without the tactile feedback found in the Blue Lotus. Built with an enduring UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, the Briny aims to provide a balanced sound profile, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—one excelling in tactile feedback, while the other emphasizes seamless keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Keygeek Briny, a notable distinction exists in their top housing materials. The modified PC and UPE blend used in the Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium tactile experience, diverging from the more traditional nylon top housing found in the Briny. This difference implies that the keypress feel and acoustics may vary; the Blue Lotus is likely to deliver a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the harder material, whereas the Briny's nylon top may produce a softer, more muted response. However, despite this divergence in top housing, both switches benefit from nylon as a consistent bottom housing material, promoting a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon housing.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, indicating they will share similarities in sound absorption qualities that lead to a more rounded acoustic signature upon bottom-out. This commonality means that, regardless of the differences in their top housing, users will experience a pronounced depth in sound when typing on either switch. The nylon material inherently squelches higher-pitched sounds and minimizes harshness, making both switches particularly appealing for users who prefer a subtle, smooth auditory feedback during use. Despite their top housings offering different tactile experiences, the compressed and dampened sound produced by the nylon bottoms helps to unify the overall acoustic profile of both switches.
In essence, while the Durock Blue Lotus and Keygeek Briny diverge in their choice of top housing materials, the consistency in their nylon bottom housings creates a cohesive sound experience. Users seeking a premium feel may gravitate towards the modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus, while those desiring a more classic and softer typing experience might prefer the Briny. Regardless of these material choices, both switches assure a fulfilling sound profile due to their shared nylon bottoms, highlighting how different constructions can still yield comparable outcomes in auditory performance and typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Keygeek Briny linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Blue Lotus features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Briny employs a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. For users who prefer a lighter switch, the Briny would provide a more comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing might lean towards the Blue Lotus due to its heavier force requirements. Overall, while both switches offer engaging experiences, the Blue Lotus is better suited for those who favor a stronger keystroke, whereas the Briny appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, we find distinct measurements that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly longer than the Briny, which measures 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm indicates that while both switches can offer relatively responsive feedback ideal for gamers, the Blue Lotus provides a bit more depth, which some users may find more satisfying or tactile. On the other hand, the Briny’s shorter travel distance could appeal to those seeking even quicker responses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether a user prioritizes a more pronounced depth with the Blue Lotus or a slightly quicker feel with the Briny.
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 switch offers a distinctively bassy tone, creating a richer and deeper auditory experience with each keystroke. This quality can evoke a satisfying resonance that many typists find appealing and engaging. The deeper frequency range adds a sense of depth to the sound profile, making typing feel more immersive. While the sound quality of the Keygeek Briny switch is not specified, it is important to note that sound can be influenced significantly by the keyboard’s build and the keycaps used, so a combination of elements may lead to a compelling auditory experience, albeit potentially less pronounced than that of the Blue Lotus.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus is characterized by its accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feedback. This blend results in a typing experience where the tactility is noticeable but not overwhelming, allowing for a lively and responsive feel. Each keystroke is defined by a prominent tactile bump, which is complemented by the swift actuation provided by the shorter travel distance. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Briny switch remain unknown. However, one can expect that the switch type will significantly influence the typing experience, with linear switches generally offering a smoother and more consistent keystroke without the tactile feedback that characterizes the Blue Lotus.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches present a compelling combination of deep sound and engaging tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for both auditory and tactile enjoyment. While the sound profile of the Keygeek Briny remains unspecified, it offers a balanced sound that could complement a quieter typing experience. The overall differences in tactile feedback highlight the unique advantages of each switch type, catering to various typing preferences. Evaluating both switches reveals a clear distinction, and newcomers can make informed decisions based on auditory and tactile preferences within the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preference and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile experience that balances responsiveness with a pronounced feel, the Blue Lotus is your go-to option. Its heavier actuation force, combined with its snappy and accented tactile feedback, makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a dynamic and engaging keystroke, particularly for tasks that involve a lot of writing or gaming where every keystroke matters. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Briny linear switch may be better suited to your needs. With its medium actuation force, it offers a more fluid keypress without the tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or for those who prefer a minimalistic approach to sound and feel. In summary, select the Blue Lotus for a lively, tactile experience, and opt for the Briny if you're looking for a softer, more linear touch as you type.
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