Durock Blue Lotus vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Keygeek Raw. The Blue Lotus is known for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a favorite among those who prefer a marked tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches offer a balance of performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch. While unlubricated, these switches provide a slightly textured feel that is ideal for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and advantages, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing that provides a premium feel, while the Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend top housing exclusive to their switches. Both top housings offer a smooth typing experience, but the Blue Lotus may feel more luxurious due to its unique blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus incorporates nylon which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing is exclusive to their switches, offering a different sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a unique typing experience. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed, providing a different tactile sensation based on the material used.
While each switch has its own unique housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of these materials will impact the typing experience in different ways. The bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences, allowing users to choose the housing material that best suits their needs.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams while the Keygeek Raw needs 57.5 grams. This makes the Blue Lotus the heavier option overall. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, but both offer a medium level of force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice. In contrast, users who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Durock Blue Lotus. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, and while the actuation and bottom out forces vary slightly, users can expect similar results in terms of typing performance.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them great options for those looking for fast and responsive keystrokes. However, the Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. For gamers or individuals who prioritize quick response times, the Keygeek Raw may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly deeper press, which may be more comfortable for those who prefer a bit more cushion in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 switch offers a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch gives off a neutral sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers an accented tactile experience with a snappy and stepped feel, providing a distinct tactile feedback without being overpowering. Conversely, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a textured and mild feel with subtle characteristics, offering a smoother typing experience that is approachable to most users. This difference in feel caters to varying preferences and typing styles.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Durock Blue Lotus and Keygeek Raw switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a tactile and responsive typing experience with a bassy sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a more subtle and gentle typing feel with a neutral sound, making it a versatile option for a wider range of users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, ensuring a personalized typing experience to suit your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, accented feel with a vibrant RGB glow, then the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a creamy, textured feel that's lightweight and unlubricated, the Keygeek Raw might be more suited to your tastes. Additionally, consider the sound profile you prefer, whether it's the bassy character of the Blue Lotus or the neutral tone of the Keygeek Raw. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
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