Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are well-known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column, adding a vibrant and glowy RGB illumination effect to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches offer a different typing experience. Designed for delicate typists, these linear switches have an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, ensuring effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro White allows for brighter RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. Moreover, the G Pro 3.0 White switches are budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your particular preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White differ in several ways. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend housing offers a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate housing of the G Pro 3.0 White provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic, while the G Pro 3.0 White also incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
Although there are some differences between the housing materials of these switches, they also share some similarities. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon as a relatively softer plastic allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Furthermore, both switches focus on enhancing the sound profile of their respective housings, with the Blue Lotus aiming for a premium feel and the G Pro 3.0 White emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile. Overall, while there are slight variations in their housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the G Pro 3.0 White deliver satisfying sound experiences.
When comparing the impact of the different housing materials, it's important to note that the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, shaping the experience when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing mainly influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the specific qualities brought by the housing material will be divided between the top and bottom sections of the switch. Whether it's the premium feel of the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing or the crisp sound profile created by the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White, these characteristics will be most noticeable in the corresponding stages of key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Blue Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, meaning it requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's lighter actuation force of 38 grams. Similarly, the Blue Lotus has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would be the more suitable option as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lighter actuation force and bottom out force make it a great choice for those who use their keyboard extensively, such as in a professional setting or during long gaming sessions.
However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, making each keystroke feel more deliberate and satisfying.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on personal preference. Those seeking a lighter typing experience would lean towards the G Pro 3.0 White, while those desiring a heavier and more tactile typing experience would find the Blue Lotus more suitable. In either case, both switches offer their own unique qualities, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have different travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. 4.0mm is the more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for gamers who prefer faster response times. While both options have their advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more hearty key press, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable option.
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 White 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 White 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, the Durock Blue Lotus is best described as bassy. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches have a clacky sound, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. The G Pro 3.0 White switches also have a neutral sound option, which has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. Both switches offer different sound profiles, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. Keep in mind that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches can be described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Snappy switches offer a super-responsive typing experience, often due to longer or dual-staged springs. Stepped switches feel more mild compared to hypertactile switches, with a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches offer a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle tactile feel. Creamy switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, while easy-to-press switches require minimal force to activate. Feathery switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. Mild switches offer a gentle typing experience in the middle-ground zone, and silky switches enhance overall smoothness. Subtle switches have a gentle resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces. Again, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. They offer a marked tactile feel, accompanied by a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches are budget-friendly and designed for delicate typists. They provide an incredibly light actuation force, brighter RGB lighting, and a satisfying auditory feedback.
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches have a deep and bassy sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White switches offer options for clacky, neutral, or subdued sounds. As for feel, the Blue Lotus switches are accented, snappy, and stepped, while the G Pro 3.0 White switches are creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle.
It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. If you enjoy a marked tactile feel and a bassy sound, the Blue Lotus switches would be a good choice. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with various sound options, the G Pro 3.0 White switches are worth considering. Keep in mind that these subjective qualities can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. These switches offer snappiness and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more intense tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus has a bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer key press sound.
On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist who prefers a light linear switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is the switch for you. With an incredibly light bottom out force of only 45 grams, these switches offer effortless and sensitive keystrokes. The G Pro 3.0 White also features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter RGB lighting. In terms of sound, these switches have a clacky sound profile, producing a crisp and percussive sound.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White will depend on your preferred typing experience. If you value a prominent tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus is the way to go. However, if you prefer a light, linear switch with effortless typing and brighter RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 White is the better option. Consider your typing style and preferences when making your decision. In closing, both the Blue Lotus and G Pro 3.0 White offer unique features and qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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