Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can be overwhelming with the sheer number of options available. Two switches worth considering are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Light Tactile. The Blue Lotus is known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With slightly reduced travel and a marked tactile feel, these switches are perfect for those who crave a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentle and subtle tactility. It stands out among the sharper and more prevalent tactile switches on the market, providing a unique and angelic typing experience. The jelly-like sound signature further enhances the overall typing sensation. However, let's dive deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch so you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
52g
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 the Durock Light Tactile differ in their choice of housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate of the Light Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials have their advantages, with polycarbonate being particularly useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches share the same material: nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The choice of nylon for both the Blue Lotus and the Light Tactile ensures a satisfying typing experience with a rich auditory feedback.
While the top and bottom housings of the two switches may differ, each housing material plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing's characteristics come into play when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced at that moment. Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the Light Tactile offer high-quality tactile switches with distinct qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force while the Light Tactile requires a slightly lighter 52 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying push feel during typing. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams of force while the Light Tactile requires a slightly heavier 67 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus has a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the Light Tactile.
Considering weight as an important factor for keyboard users, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Light Tactile switch, as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Blue Lotus, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a firmer response. Overall, while there may be slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, both options offer a medium-heavy weight, ensuring a solid and responsive keystroke.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. The Blue Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and one's desired level of responsiveness or depth. Whether opting for the shorter or longer travel distance, both switches will provide satisfactory results to the user.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This adds a sense of depth and richness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound without any particular emphasis on bass or treble frequencies. This makes them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or at work. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide an accented tactile feel. This means they offer a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. They are not scratchy and provide a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. Additionally, these switches are described as snappy, which means they are highly responsive and make the typing experience feel more alive. They also have a stepped feel, which means you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall tactile experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches offer a mild tactile experience. They have a more gentle tactility compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a smoother and less pronounced tactile feedback. These switches are also described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. They have reduced friction and provide a smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches deliver a marked tactile feel with snappiness and a stepped tactile profile. They offer a deeper and richer sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches provide a gentle and polished tactile experience with a neutral sound profile. While they have different qualities, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either switch can be a great choice, and you can expect similar levels of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a marked tactile feel and snappy responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus is the way to go. With its slightly reduced travel and detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches provide a captivating visual appeal in addition to their performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile is the better choice. These switches offer an angelic tactility and a polished, smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force and are suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Light Tactile depends on your preference for tactile intensity and sound profile.
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