Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switch is praised for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a visually appealing touch with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Koala switch strikes a balance between tactile feedback and noise level, offering a pronounced bump without being overly loud. This makes it a great option for those who want a tactile switch without too much noise. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Durock Koala switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their individual characteristics. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend for its top housing, giving it a premium feel and potentially influencing the sound profile. In contrast, the Koala opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. While both switches provide a distinct typing experience, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
On the other hand, both the Blue Lotus and Koala switches feature a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches helps absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite their shared bottom housing material, the switches may still offer unique typing experiences due to their differing top housing materials. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbing bottom housing of the Koala or the premium feel of the Blue Lotus, both switches provide a tactile typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and Durock Koala switches may ultimately depend on the specific sound and feel preferences of the user. While the Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel. Additionally, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prioritize sound quality or tactile feel, both switches offer a variety of characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two may come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Koala, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Blue Lotus and 67 grams for the Koala, making them both medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force. In terms of weight preferences, the Blue Lotus may be more favorable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Koala may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a solid tactile typing experience, with the main difference lying in the actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Koala. The difference between the two may not be significant, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Blue Lotus might be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Koala with its 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper press and more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the typing experience desired.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 are known for their bassy tone, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound, making them suitable for a variety of users and environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are accented and snappy, offering a medium tactile experience that is responsive and engaging. They provide a stepped feel, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and post-travel during key presses. In contrast, the Durock Koala switches are polished and accented, providing a smooth typing experience with a prominent amount of tactility. They also offer a stepped feel, similar to the Blue Lotus switches, along with a stiffer actuation force requirement.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Koala tactile switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound and snappy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile experience, the Koala switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a polished typing feel. Both switches feature a stepped tactility, providing users with a tactile bump that is not overly pronounced. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Koala tactile switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a pronounced tactile feel with swift responsiveness, along with vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a stepped tactility that provides a punch without being too overwhelming, the Koala would be a better option. Additionally, if you enjoy a bassy sound profile during key presses, go for the Blue Lotus, whereas if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Koala is more suitable. Finally, if you appreciate a switch that feels accented, snappy, and stepped, the Blue Lotus is ideal, while those who prefer a polished, accented, stepped, and slightly stiffer feel would benefit from the Koala. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactile feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
