Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Glory Yellow present distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced tactile feedback and responsiveness, featuring a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that enhances its snappy feel. This switch is ideal for users who relish an engaging typing experience, especially those who enjoy the satisfaction of tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Additionally, its detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, making it not only a performance-oriented choice but also visually appealing. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smoother keystroke that caters to users who prefer a gliding sensation when typing. Its heavier response within the Glory lineup ensures stability during extensive typing sessions, making it a favored option for those who value a consistent and uninterrupted experience. Both switches uniquely enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, distinct contrasts arise. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high-performance polyethylene) blend for its top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel during typing. This modification adds a level of sophistication and durability that may enhance the overall typing experience by offering a slightly firmer and more resilient surface. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's top housing is made from nylon, a traditional choice known for its softer texture and sound-absorbing qualities. Though nylon is valued for its ability to create a deeper sound profile, the choice of a PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus allows for a different tactile experience that could cater to users who prefer a sturdier feel.

Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Glory Yellow utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similarities in sound profile characteristics when typing. Nylon is particularly notable for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a more subdued auditory experience that many users find appealing. The bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound since it absorbs impact, thus ensuring that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit through different upper housing materials. This shared material in the bottom contributes to a consistent auditory experience that typists may appreciate, regardless of which switch they are using.

In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Glory Yellow switches both employ nylon for their bottom housings, their individual top housings bring different tactile sensations and auditory qualities to the typing experience. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend contrasts with the softer nylon top of the Glory Yellow, which could influence user preferences based on the desired feel and sound profile. However, due to the similar bottom housing made of nylon, both switches produce comparable results in terms of sound dampening and overall auditory richness, which may appeal to users looking for specific tactile feedback coupled with a fulfilling sound experience. This combination allows for a rich typing experience, highlighting how different materials can shape the characteristics of a switch while still achieving harmonious results in sound.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Blue Lotus requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, contrasted with the lighter actuation force of 50 grams for the Glory Yellow. This slight difference indicates that users may find the Blue Lotus to feel slightly more substantial upon pressing, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a measurable bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Glory Yellow's bottom out force is unspecified. This absence of data means we cannot make a direct comparison for that metric. Overall, if you value a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Glory Yellow may be more appealing, however, if you desire a heavier feel, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow switch offers a more traditional feel, providing a depth that some users might find more satisfying for tactile feedback, especially during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Blue Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel, as shorter distances allow for faster actuation. Consequently, if you prefer a more abrupt, responsive experience, the Blue Lotus would be the optimal choice, whereas those who value a deeper keystroke may gravitate towards the Glory Yellow. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the Blue Lotus is shorter at 3.7 mm, and the Glory Yellow is the longer option at 4 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are notable for their bassy tone, producing a rich and deeper sound profile that resonates during key presses. This lower frequency range adds a certain depth to the auditory feedback, making every keystroke feel solid and impactful. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches do not have a specific sound profile described, but their linear nature typically results in a quieter operation compared to tactile switches. Thus, while the Blue Lotus creates a pronounced sound experience, users of the Glory Yellow can expect a more subdued auditory performance, which is common among linear switches.

Regarding the feel, the Blue Lotus switches are characterized by their accented and snappy tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. Their stepped action means that they have a distinct tactile event felt during the keystroke, providing a lively and engaging feel that invites responsiveness. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow linear switches deliver a smooth keystroke, which appeals to those who prefer an uninterrupted motion without any tactile feedback. This results in a different type of enjoyment, focusing on the fluidity of the typing experience, unlike the pronounced tactile sensations offered by the Blue Lotus.

In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Glory Yellow switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Blue Lotus provides a rich, bassy sound and an engaging tactile experience that enhances typing feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactility and acoustic depth. Meanwhile, the Glory Yellow offers a smooth, quieter experience, appealing to those who favor linear keystrokes. Depending on personal preference, one can achieve satisfactory results by choosing the switch that aligns with their desired typing characteristics, whether that's the responsive tactility of the Blue Lotus or the smooth linearity of the Glory Yellow.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with medium-heavy resistance that gives you a satisfying and responsive typing experience, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. Its snappy feel, accented tactility, and bassy sound profile create an engaging atmosphere, particularly suited for those who appreciate pronounced cues while typing. On the other hand, if smoothness and ease of keystroke are more your priorities, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be ideal for you. Known for its pleasant travel distance, this switch provides a linear feel without the tactile bump, making it great for fast-paced typing or gaming. The absence of distinct sound also contributes to a quieter typing experience, which is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Therefore, assess your needs: if you want feedback and character in every keystroke, the Blue Lotus will serve you well; if you prioritize smoothness and subtlety, you can’t go wrong with the Glory Yellow.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more