Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gazzew LT

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew LT. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are well-known for their blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a snappy typing experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, providing captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their enticing lilac hue and offer a symphony of deep, resonant thockiness when typing. These linear thock switches provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, contributing to a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Although these general pointers provide a good starting point, let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Gazzew LT Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew LT demonstrate several similarities and differences. Both switches feature a unique blend of plastics in their top and bottom housings. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the LT employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. These materials offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Blue Lotus providing a premium feel and the LT's blend delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.

In terms of bottom housings, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon material known for its ability to enhance the switch's sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound characteristics. With its softness, this blend allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of their bottom housings, creating immersive typing experiences that cater to different sound preferences.

When it comes to the impact on the typing experience, the housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the LT behave differently depending on which part of the switch you focus on. The qualities of the bottom housing are more evident when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing exerts a substantial influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these variances, the Blue Lotus and the LT offer comparable experiences, as their respective top and bottom housings work in conjunction to provide an overall distinctive typing experience that enthusiasts can appreciate.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the Durock Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Unfortunately, the actuation force of the Gazzew LT switch is not available, making it difficult to directly compare the two. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed.

Weight plays a significant role in keyboard preferences, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Durock Blue Lotus more suitable, as the lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without strain. This characteristic may be beneficial for individuals using their keyboards extensively for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel, the Gazzew LT switch may be a better choice. While we don't have the specific actuation force for the Gazzew LT, the shared bottom out force of 65 grams suggests that both switches offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed.

In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Blue Lotus and Gazzew LT switches are moderately similar, with both switches being classified as medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force. However, the Durock Blue Lotus provides a specific actuation force of 55 grams, while the Gazzew LT's actuation force remains unknown. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and endurance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the LT has a slightly shorter distance of 3.2 mm. While both distances fall within the range of what is considered standard, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow, it is clear that the Blue Lotus offers a slightly deeper travel experience.

However, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the LT switch as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter distance too abrupt and prefer the deeper travel experience offered by the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Gazzew LT switches share similar qualities. They are both characterized as having a bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This low-frequency range gives a sense of depth and richness, resembling the tones associated with bass music. Additionally, the LT switches are also described as thocky, producing a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. Furthermore, the LT switches are noted for their low-pitched sound, which adds a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a unique experience. They are described as accented, meaning they provide a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This level of tactility strikes a balance and gives a prominent tactile feel. The Blue Lotus switches are also known for being snappy, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that enhance the responsiveness of the typing experience, making it feel more alive. Additionally, these switches are referred to as stepped switches, which means they have two stages of tactile feedback. This mild tactile feel allows for some pre-travel and/or post-travel to be noticed. On the other hand, information about the feel of Gazzew LT switches is not provided, so it is unknown how they compare in terms of tactile feedback.

Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel in delivering a marked tactile feel, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination with their detachable light column. They provide a snappy and accented tactile experience, combining the sense of liveliness with a medium level of tactility. In terms of sound, they offer a bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches are described solely in terms of their lilac hue and offering a seamless glide with every keystroke. While the specific tactile feel and sound characteristics of the LT switches are unknown, it is possible to expect a similar bassy sound profile as the Blue Lotus switches due to the shared descriptor. However, without additional information, it is uncertain how the LT switches compare in terms of tactile feedback. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches would depend on individual preferences, with the Blue Lotus switches being a strong choice for those seeking swift responsiveness, a marked tactile feel, and vibrant lighting effects.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a marked tactile feel and striking visual appeal, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, accompanied by a slightly reduced travel distance and detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches are described as having an accented and snappy feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming.

On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, resonant thockiness and a seamless glide with every keystroke, the Gazzew LT linear switches would be a great fit. These switches offer an enticing lilac hue and produce a satisfying auditory symphony of deep thockiness. Although there is no specific description for the feel of the LT switches, their smooth glide and deep sound profile suggest a pleasant typing experience.

Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls under the medium-heavy category. Additionally, both switches are described as having a bassy sound profile, with the added descriptors of thocky and low-pitched for the LT switches.

Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the Gazzew LT linear switches depends on your preferences for tactile feel and sound profile. Consider whether you prioritize a marked tactile feel with captivating visual appeal (Blue Lotus) or a deep thocky sound with a seamless glide (LT). Select the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more