Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Blue Lotus by Durock is a tactile switch known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black by Gateron is a linear switch that boasts a heavier actuation and bottom-out force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantive typing experience. Both switches offer unique features such as RGB illumination and premium quality construction. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, we see that they both offer unique and premium features. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a luxurious and premium feel to the switches. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a satisfying clacky sound. While both switches offer premium feel and sound profiles, the materials used in the top housing differ in terms of the overall sound produced.
A notable difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Lotus uses a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black incorporates a POM bottom housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side with a more muted tone. These different bottom housing materials significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing users with distinct typing experiences.
With the top and bottom housing materials being different for each switch, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer exceptional typing experiences, with their housing materials contributing to distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile or a higher-pitched, clacky sound, these switches provide premium options for enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch are similar in that they both fall within the medium-heavy range. The Blue Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is 65 grams, slightly lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Black's 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Blue Lotus may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the heavier forces of the G Pro 3.0 Black may provide a more substantial typing feel for some users. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy force that can cater to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, the difference of 0.3 mm may not be noticeable to the average user. Gamers may lean towards the Blue Lotus for its slightly shorter travel distance, potentially offering a quicker response time during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance that offers a balance between responsiveness and keypress depth.
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 G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 switch offers a deep and rich bassy tone during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy a fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch produces a sharp and clacky sound that is crisp and percussive, adding a tactile element to the typing experience. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Blue Lotus offering a bassy resonance and the G Pro 3.0 Black providing a clacky and sharp sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its accentuated tactility, snappy response, and stepped feel, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts who seek a balance between tactility and smooth typing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch boasts a creamy and silky typing sensation, offering a smooth and buttery experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall typing comfort. Whether you prefer the pronounced tactility of the Blue Lotus or the smoothness of the G Pro 3.0 Black, both switches provide unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Lotus excels in providing a bassy sound profile and accentuated tactility, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its clacky sound and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality performance and can satisfy different user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of which option is chosen.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy feel and vibrant RGB lighting, the Blue Lotus is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a creamy smooth feel and balanced medium-heavy actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the way to go. Consider factors such as sound profile, key feel, and visual aesthetics to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer high quality and performance, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
Mentioned in this article
