Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. The Blue Lotus switches by Durock are known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel, making them ideal for those who crave a satisfying keystroke. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series offer outstanding value and an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches deliver lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive advantage. The RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, adds an immersive touch to any gaming setup, and the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver have several similarities and differences. Both switches feature a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives them a unique and premium feel. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing is particularly advantageous for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant and eye-catching visual effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is relatively softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While similar in material, the bottom housing of each switch will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the Blue Lotus and the G Pro 3.0 Silver share the advantage of utilizing nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound. However, they differ in their top housing materials, with the Blue Lotus employing a modified PC and UPE Blend for a premium feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique characteristics that will contribute to an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that the Blue Lotus is the heavier of the two. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly higher than the G Pro 3.0 Silver's actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's bottom out force is 50 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This lighter actuation and bottom out force can be particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel might opt for the Blue Lotus, which offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. This heavier force can provide a stronger push feel and a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer it.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is comparatively lighter. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly longer distance compared to the Blue Lotus. 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, providing a balanced feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, 3.7 mm is slightly shorter but still falls within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance may be a suitable choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt, so if you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific feel you desire in your 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 G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that the sound produced by these switches will have a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are also described as low-pitched, which means they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Blue Lotus, on the other hand, does not have any additional sound descriptors. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means that they provide a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They are also super responsive, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. The stepped switch design adds a mild sensation of pre-travel and/or post-travel, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. This means they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The creamy sensation can be attributed to either factory-applied lubricant or specific materials used in the switch construction. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch have their unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While both switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches also provide a low-pitched thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches offer a medium amount of tactility, snappiness, and a stepped switch design, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a buttery and creamy typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a more tactile and snappy feel with a slightly reduced travel distance, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and gliding typing experience with a slightly shorter travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches would be an excellent option. However, keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it is always recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits your personal preferences the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and slightly reduced travel distance, these switches deliver a snappy and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the deep and rich sound profile of the Blue Lotus adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast responsiveness and budget-friendly gaming performance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. Its light bottom-out force and shorter travel distance enhance your gaming experience, while the frosted light diffuser and RGB lighting create an immersive gaming setup. Moreover, the buttery and creamy feel of these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Overall, whether you choose the Blue Lotus or the G Pro 3.0 Silver, both switches offer unique features to suit your preference and enhance your keyboarding or gaming experience.
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