Durock Blue Lotus vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing experience. The Blue Lotus offers a satisfying tactile feel with a reduced travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and seamless feel. Both switches boast RGB illumination features, enhancing the visual appeal of any keyboard setup. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, the main difference lies in the top housing material. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing which offers a unique and premium feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 uses a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The choice between these two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the modified PC & UPE Blend providing a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, both switches share the same bottom housing material – nylon for the Blue Lotus and polycarbonate for the Lightning Silver V3. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while polycarbonate offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffness. Despite the difference in materials, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing, providing a unique typing experience for users.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can greatly influence the overall sound profile and typing feel of a switch, making it essential to carefully consider the material composition when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus would be more suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the Blue Lotus may provide a slightly more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the typing or gaming 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the deeper bass tones of the Blue Lotus or the sharper, more vibrant sound of the Lightning Silver V3.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped, offering a tactile experience that is prominent yet not overwhelming. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3, on the other hand, is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. Users looking for a tactile switch with a bit more punch may prefer the Blue Lotus, while those seeking a smoother keystroke may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Lotus excels in providing a tactile and snappy typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its smoothness and clacky, high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, accented tactility, and a snappy feel, then the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, a silky smooth typing experience, and a clacky, high-pitched sound, then the Lightning Silver V3 could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
