Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Durock Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness that appeals to those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. With its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches not only perform well but also add a visually appealing element to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, ensuring minimal resistance for a seamless typing experience. With aerodynamically designed stems and enhanced stability, these switches provide a buttery and low-pitched typing feel. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches both utilize nylon in their construction. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. Despite using the same material, the Blue Lotus features a blend of PC and UPE in its top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's pure nylon top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches utilize nylon to contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound characteristics of the switches, creating a more satisfying typing sensation for users. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the nylon material plays a crucial role in delivering a smooth and consistent typing experience for both switches.
While the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches may differ in terms of the top housing blend, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing results in similar sound profiles and typing experiences for both switches. The qualities of nylon, such as its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper sound profile, are evident in both switches, providing users with a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. Whether it's the premium feel of a PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus or the classic nylon construction of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of force required for a full press. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, while the Blue Lotus may appeal to individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and the overall typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly shorter keystroke which may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a slightly longer travel distance for individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
The Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This complements the tactile feel of the switch, which is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium amount of tactility with swift responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches produce a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and satisfying thud when pressed. The feel of these switches is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus switches prioritize tactile intensity and snappiness with a bassy sound profile, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches focus on smooth keystrokes and a thocky sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a more tactile and intense typing experience or a smoother and more uniform feel. However, due to the individual nature of keyboard preferences, trying both switches on a personal board with preferred keycaps would provide the best insight into which switch suits one best and give a similar result in terms of either sound or feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, it all comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a switch that offers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness with a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination, then the Blue Lotus may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth keystrokes, reduced wobble, and enhanced stability, along with a sound profile that is deep, rich, and satisfying, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch could be the better option. Consider your typing style, desired sound and feel preferences, and aesthetic preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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