Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron CJ offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are renowned for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide an enhanced tactile feel that appeals to those who enjoy a satisfying keypress. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB illumination that adds a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ switches offer a unique take on linear switches. Typing on them produces higher-pitched clacks and a remarkably smooth pushing sensation. With their categorization as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ switches offer a distinct auditory and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron CJ switches offer distinct characteristics that create different typing experiences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This material contributes to a satisfying clacky sound profile, offering a relatively high-pitched tone without being overly sharp. On the other hand, the CJ switch utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This material creates a pointed and higher-pitched sound, also described as clacky, but with a slightly different tone compared to the Blue Lotus.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This brings a unique auditory experience to the Blue Lotus switch. Conversely, the CJ switch incorporates a POM bottom housing, which offers an incredibly pleasing and distinct sound. This material creates a deeper tone that leans towards the muted side, delivering a slightly different sound profile compared to the Blue Lotus.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Blue Lotus and CJ switches, it is important to note that they both contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the two switches utilize different housing materials, they can still provide similar results in terms of overall sound and feel, albeit with subtle variations in tone and character.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of weight. On the other hand, the CJ has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be classified as medium.
The difference in weight between the two switches is relatively small, with the Blue Lotus being marginally heavier than the CJ. This slight variation in force requirement can affect typing experiences and individual preferences. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the CJ switch would be more suitable as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive strain. This feature makes it ideal for extended work periods or marathon gaming sessions.
In contrast, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This may be preferable to individuals who enjoy the tactile feedback of a switch with heavier forces. Choosing a switch with a heavier actuation force can enhance the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying level of resistance.
However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium weight range, meaning that they offer comparable results when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. This similarity ensures that regardless of which switch is chosen, the typing experience will not be drastically different. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the CJ has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. The 4.0mm travel distance of the CJ falls within the range of the most traditional travel distances, while the 3.7mm distance of the Blue Lotus is slightly shorter. This difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the switch. For gamers or those who prefer faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus may be more appealing. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may find the longer travel distance of the CJ to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are best described as bassy. This means that during key presses, they offer a deeper and richer sound profile with lower frequencies, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ switches provide a chirpy sound, which adds a unique acoustic signature to their typing experience. Additionally, the CJ switches also have descriptors of being neutral and low-pitched, offering a more moderate and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, with the Blue Lotus switches, you can expect a bassy sound, while the CJ switches offer a chirpy and possibly more moderate sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches can be described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Being accented means that they fall in the category of tactile switches that provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The snappiness of Blue Lotus switches can be attributed to their slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, making them super responsive and giving a more alive typing experience. Furthermore, the stepped characteristic means that they feel more mild in comparison to hypertactile switches, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ switches are described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. This means that they provide a safe middle-ground zone with an approachable sound and feel that should suit most users.
To conclude, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and Gateron CJ linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. With Blue Lotus switches, you can expect a bassy sound accompanied by an accented, snappy, and stepped feel, providing a marked tactile experience. On the other hand, CJ switches deliver a chirpy sound while offering a mild and gentle typing experience. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with prominent tactility, the Blue Lotus switches would be a suitable choice. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a more unique acoustic signature and a gentle typing experience, the CJ switches would be a good fit. Keep in mind that the overall sound and feel experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice. With their medium-heavy bottom out force and slightly reduced travel, these switches offer snappiness and swift responsiveness. The detachable light column also adds vibrant RGB illumination, making them visually appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique presentation of a linear switch, the Gateron CJ switches would be a suitable option. With a medium bottom out force and an impossibly smooth push feel, the CJ switches provide a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, their higher-pitched clacks offer a unique acoustic signature. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on whether you prioritize a tactile feel with some tactile intensity or a smoother linear typing experience with a unique sound profile.
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