Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Ink Box Pink. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking 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 enjoy a satisfying keystroke. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are treasured for their smoothness and lighter typing feel. While providing a satisfying clack sound, these switches offer a higher-pitched tone compared to other mechanical switches. Both switches have their unique advantages, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches show some similarities and differences. Both switches have unique and premium housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a distinct and luxurious feel. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink has a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a satisfying clacky sound profile. While they may have different characteristics, both switches offer a premium and unique typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon material. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink implements Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This material produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, adding a satisfying clacky element to the typing experience. While they bring different qualities, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of their respective switches.
When it comes to the overall impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key. The combination of the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing and the top housing contributes to its unique sound and feel when typing. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink's bottom housing, along with its INK blend top housing, contributes to its distinctive clacky sound and feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a crucial role in enhancing their characteristics.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. Both switches offer premium and distinctive typing experiences, with their housing materials playing a significant role in shaping their sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams, making the Blue Lotus slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is also heavier than the Ink Box Pink's 60 grams. Therefore, the Blue Lotus provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a slightly stronger push for both actuation and bottoming out.
However, it is worth mentioning that these differences in force are not substantial, making the overall feel between the two switches quite similar. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience that can accommodate a variety of preferences.
When considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Ink Box Pink, as its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces can allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it an ideal choice for those using their keyboards for work or extensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals desiring a more pronounced push feel and a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus, as its slightly heavier forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback.
In summary, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, the variances are marginal, resulting in a similar overall feel. The lighter Ink Box Pink appeals to those seeking extended typing comfort, while the slightly heavier Blue Lotus caters to individuals desiring a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have similar travel distances, with the Blue Lotus measuring at 3.7 mm and the Ink Box Pink at 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Box Pink being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Pink Ink Box switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Blue Lotus more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing 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 Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is best known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. These switches have a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm adds to the snappiness of these switches, making them highly responsive. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding captivating visual appeal to your keyboard.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a smoother and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. These translucent switches have a high-pitched clack when pressed, giving them a crisp and bright sound. The typing experience with the Ink Box Pink switches is enhanced by their smoothness, which minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of these switches also contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus is described as having a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches are clacky and produce a sharp and snappy sound. They also have a higher-pitched sound profile, which is great for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. They are also snappy, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall tactile experience.
On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches offer a silky typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key travel and minimized resistance. These switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Lotus switches excel in tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and have a bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches provide a smoother and lighter typing feel, clacky sound, and a polished finish. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback, sound, and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a tactile typing experience with a slightly reduced travel distance, then the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel that is accentuated by a prominent amount of tactility. The Blue Lotus switches also boast a snappy and responsive typing experience, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element to your keyboard.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a medium weight that is comfortable for most typists. The Ink Box Pink switches have a silky and polished finish, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Additionally, they produce a higher-pitched and clacky sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a crisp and bright sound profile.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prioritize tactile feedback and snappiness (Blue Lotus) or a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch (Ink Box Pink). Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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