Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly affect the overall typing experience. Two popular options in the market are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are well-known for their striking combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a snappy feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding visual appeal to their impressive performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switches are renowned for their lower actuation force, making them ideal for users with a lighter typing style. These linear switches offer a satisfyingly smooth feel and produce a crispy and clacky sound profile. Typing on the Ink Reds is effortless and enjoyable. While these general pointers provide an overview of the differences between the Blue Lotus and Ink Red switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Ink Red switches have different housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium and distinctive feel. In contrast, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound without being excessively sharp. Despite their differences, both housing materials deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus employs a nylon material known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. This is because nylon is relatively softer compared to harder plastics, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder and duller tone. Conversely, the Ink Red incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound. While both bottom housing materials offer a similar clacky sound, their specific qualities might differ slightly.
When considering the impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound that is produced when releasing a key. Despite this distinction, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Ink Red switches deliver exceptional typing experiences, showcasing the unique qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ink Red's 45 grams. This means that it requires more force to register a keystroke on the Blue Lotus. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is also higher at 65 grams compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams. This indicates that the Blue Lotus provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down the keys.
In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ink Red. The lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Lotus.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Ink Red. This ensures a slightly firmer and more substantial typing experience. However, if one prefers a lighter switch, the Ink Red provides a suitable option with similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Ink Red falls within the more common travel distance range of 4.0 mm, while the Blue Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper key press may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red more satisfying. Both switches provide distinct experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of responsiveness and depth.
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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses has a deeper and richer tone, reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile that suits most purposes. However, it's worth noting that the Ink Red switches have a unique characteristic of being chirpy, which adds a slight squeak to the sound. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used, so it's possible to achieve similar results with either switch depending on those variables.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches in this context refer to a medium tactile feel that provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The snappiness of these switches is attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the typing experience and making it feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped characteristic means that there is a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switches are described as silky, mild, and polished. Silky switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Mild switches provide a gentler typing experience, with qualities that fall within a safe middle ground. Lastly, the polished characteristic indicates that the switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer distinct feels that cater to different preferences.
Taking into account the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch differ in various subjective qualities. The Blue Lotus switch stands out for its marked tactile feel, snappy responsiveness, and stepped tactile sensation. Additionally, it offers a bassy sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch is characterized by its lower actuation force, leading to a lighter typing style. It provides a satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy sound profile, and effortless typing experience. While these switches have their unique characteristics, it's possible to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel by carefully selecting the keyboard board and keycaps. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you enjoy a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus switches are a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and an accented, snappy, and stepped feel, these switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. They also feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding to their visual appeal. In terms of sound, they offer a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound experience during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing style and a smoother experience, the Ink Red switches are ideal. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a silky, mild, and polished feel, these linear switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. They have a crispy and clacky sound profile, and some may even have a unique chirpy acoustic signature, setting them apart from other switches.
Overall, if you prioritize tactile intensity and visual appeal, go for the Blue Lotus switches. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience and smoother operation, the Ink Red switches are a great choice. Consider your typing preferences, sound preferences, and desired typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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