Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique characteristics and features. Two notable switches that showcase their distinct qualities are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their exceptional blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who crave a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come equipped with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB illumination, enhancing both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are revered as a budget-friendly option for linear switch enthusiasts. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound and a bouncy type feel, creating a unique typing experience. While these general characteristics give a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, there are some notable differences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus lends a unique and premium feel to the switches. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both materials have their advantages, with the modified PC and UPE Blend providing a luxurious tactile experience and the polycarbonate offering enhanced audio qualities, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches make use of nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic, which helps to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This absorption results in a duller and rounder sound. Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow benefit from this characteristic, providing satisfying auditory feedback during typing.
It's important to note that the qualities contributed by the top and bottom housings are divided between the two switches. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the materials may differ, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow offer a combination of premium and enhanced audio experiences due to their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a force of 65 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a force of 67 grams. This indicates that the Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a suitable choice as it has a lighter actuation force. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue on the fingers. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Blue Lotus would be a better option due to its heavier bottom out force.
It is worth noting that while there are slight differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches, they both fall within the medium-heavy range. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow will depend on personal preference and the desired weight and feel of the switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow falls within the more common range of 4.0 mm, while the Blue Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making the Blue Lotus a potentially more favorable option for them. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a deeper keypress feel.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 offer a bassy sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses has a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches have a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that the sound produced is sharp, crisp, and clean, providing an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches offer a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable amount of feedback without being overwhelming. Snappy switches are highly responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Stepped switches have a two-stage feeling, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are described as polished and creamy. Polished switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Creamy switches offer a buttery and silky sensation, gliding effortlessly under your fingers.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Their snappiness, combined with the detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, offers a performance-oriented and visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches excel in budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy feel. While they provide different subjective qualities, both switches deliver satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver a snappy and responsive typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches are accented, snappy, and provide a medium amount of tactility. As for sound, they offer a bassy profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these linear switches provide a polished and creamy typing experience. In summary, the choice between the Blue Lotus and G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches ultimately depends on your preference for tactile intensity, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
