Durock Blue Lotus vs. TKC Kiwi

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the TKC Kiwi. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock offer a unique combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that enthusiasts will appreciate. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, adding both performance and captivating visual appeal to your typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are designed specifically to enhance typing with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches provide a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, immersing you in a truly enjoyable typing experience. They also come lightly factory-lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. Both switches offer their own unique features and advantages; however, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision regarding the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Blue Lotus and the TKC Kiwi have different housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which gives it a distinct premium feel. This material offers a softer and rounder sound profile, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, a newer material that creates a bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE housings produces resonant clacks, providing a more vibrant typing experience. While both top housings aim to enhance the sound and feel of keystrokes, they differ in the qualities they bring to the switches.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Durock Blue Lotus employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi uses UHWMPE for its bottom housing, which complements the bright sound signature of its top housing. UHWMPE brings a resonant clack sound when typing, adding to the overall audio experience. While both bottom housings contribute to the sound and feel of bottom-out, they differ in the tones they create.

While the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the TKC Kiwi differ, they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. The Blue Lotus combines a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, offering a premium feel and a deeper, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, resulting in a brighter sound signature and resonant clacks. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus features nylon, producing a duller and rounder sound, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing complements its top housing's bright sound with resonant clacks. While the materials vary, both switches provide distinct qualities that can enhance typing satisfaction.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, some similarities and differences arise. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is 55 grams, while the Kiwi requires a lighter push with an actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Blue Lotus at 65 grams and the Kiwi at 67 grams. This means that while the actuation forces differ, the typing experience in terms of bottoming out will yield similar results. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Kiwi may be a more suitable option for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. On the other hand, if a stronger push is desired for a more substantial typing feel, the Blue Lotus, with its heavier actuation force, would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances, the Kiwi is slightly longer. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Kiwi falls within the more traditional range, while the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Blue Lotus is considered shallow. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus may be preferable. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced key press feel, the slightly longer travel distance of the Kiwi might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. This lower frequency range provides a satisfying depth and richness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound, which gives them a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the Blue Lotus and Kiwi switches are described as accented and stepped switches. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility, offering a noticeable bump without being overwhelming or subtle. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making the typing experience more mild compared to fully tactile switches. This provides a good balance of tactility without being too intense. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches are described as snappy, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs, which adds to the responsive and lively feel of typing. The Kiwi switches, on the other hand, are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus and TKC Kiwi switches offer a satisfying tactile typing experience. They both have medium-level tactility that is accented and stepped, providing a noticeable bump without being overwhelming. Additionally, both switches have a snappy and lively feel, thanks to their design features. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches have a bassy profile, while the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound. It's important to consider personal preference, as well as other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices, when selecting between these switches. However, based on the provided information, both switches should provide similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences for tactile feel, sound profile, and visual appeal.

The Blue Lotus switches are known for their marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a bottom out force of 65 grams, they offer a satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding visual appeal to your keyboard setup.

On the other hand, the Kiwi switches offer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a snappy and immersive typing experience. They come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience out of the box. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, they offer a similar medium-heavy feel compared to the Blue Lotus switches.

In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

Both switches have a stepped feel, meaning they provide a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds to the overall typing feel and can enhance typing accuracy and comfort. The Blue Lotus switches are also described as snappy, indicating their super responsive nature, while the Kiwi switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for tactile feel, sound profile, and visual appeal. Consider whether you prefer a marked tactile feel with captivating visual illumination (Blue Lotus) or a snappy and polished typing experience (Kiwi). Whichever switch you choose, both are sure to enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more