Durock Blue Lotus vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet, both of which offer a tactile typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. These switches provide a marked tactile feel and boast a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, making them perfect for those who enjoy a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column that adds vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches from Everglide are meticulously crafted with a light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel, with a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks in part to the special use of ABS in the switch housings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches differ in several aspects. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus creates a unique and premium feel, whereas the relatively rare ABS used in the Crystal Violet produces a low-pitched sound profile when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to please users.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus employs a nylon material, while the Crystal Violet utilizes ABS. Typing on switches that use nylon, like the Blue Lotus, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to its low-pitched sound profile. Although the materials differ, both switches deliver an enjoyable typing sound that adds to the overall experience.
It's worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in its overall performance. When pressing down on a key, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which impact the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when you release the key. While the Blue Lotus and the Crystal Violet may diverge in their housing materials, they both provide a fulfilling typing experience with their unique sound profiles and premium feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Crystal Violet would be the more suitable choice. Its lower actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes and can be beneficial for those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force reduces finger fatigue and enables smoother and faster typing experiences.
On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blue Lotus. Its slightly higher actuation force provides a stronger push feel, which some users find more satisfying. This can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a tactile feedback and a more pronounced key press sensation.
When it comes to bottoming out, both switches provide similar results, with the Blue Lotus requiring 65 grams and the Crystal Violet requiring 55 grams of force. Therefore, in terms of the force needed to fully depress the switch and achieve a keystroke, both switches offer comparable experiences.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and Everglide Crystal Violet comes down to personal preference. Those who value a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Crystal Violet, while individuals seeking a more robust and tactile feel might favor the Blue Lotus.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer than the Blue Lotus. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper keystroke may opt for the longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 switches are described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched sound profile, leaning towards a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. The sound produced by the Crystal Violet switches is pleasant, subtle, and non-intrusive. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you are looking for a deeper, rich sound, the Blue Lotus switches are a great choice, while the Crystal Violet switches provide a mellow and gentle auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented and snappy. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle, allowing for a prominent tactile feel. The snappiness of these switches is attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, which enhance the typing experience and make it feel more alive. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy and mild. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The mild characteristic of the Crystal Violet switches means that the typing experience is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches are also considered stepped switches, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switches would be a suitable choice, while the Crystal Violet switches offer a gentle and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches deliver a snappy typing experience with an accented tactile feel and a bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches provide a creamy and mild typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer a stepped tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It ultimately depends on personal preference whether one prefers the deeper, richer sound and more pronounced tactile feel of the Blue Lotus switches or the mellow sound and smooth typing experience of the Crystal Violet switches. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Keep in mind that while these switches have their own unique characteristics, they may provide similar results depending on the specific setup chosen.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver intense tactility and swift responsiveness. They are also described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus offers a bassy tone, which adds depth and richness to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet is an excellent choice. These switches have a light operating force of 55 grams, making them easy to actuate. The Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In terms of sound, the Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched tone, providing a more mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Crystal Violet will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize intense tactility, snappiness, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus is the way to go. If you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, along with a more mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet is the better choice. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will enhance your overall typing experience.
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