Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can profoundly impact your typing experience. The Durock Blue Lotus switch is celebrated for its engaging tactile feedback and quick responsiveness, featuring a travel distance of 3.7mm that enhances the typing experience by providing a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a snappy feel. This makes the Blue Lotus an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who crave a tactile sensation with every keystroke, complemented by a detachable light column that ensures vibrant RGB illumination for a visually striking setup. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch takes a different approach with its linear design, offering smooth key presses without the tactile bump. The Mars utilizes a unique POK stem combined with a nylon and POM housing, resulting in a silky typing experience that appeals to those seeking fluidity, especially during lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Blue Lotus excels in tactile feedback and visual flair, the Gateron Mars provides a seamless and quiet pressing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Mars switches are constructed from distinct materials that contribute uniquely to their overall typing feel and sound profile. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing that aims to provide a premium tactile experience. In contrast, the Mars employs a nylon top housing, a classic option that is celebrated for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches strive for high-quality performance, the Blue Lotus balances advanced materials with traditional plastic, whereas the Mars sticks with a well-established material known for its acoustic properties.
Both the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Mars utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which lends to a consistent sound experience across both switches. The shared nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper, rounded sound profile since nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. However, the Blue Lotus combines this with a POM bottom housing in the Gateron Mars, which also promotes a unique sound signature. This combination of materials leads to a nuanced interaction between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key.
In summary, the differences in housing materials in both switches highlight how varying compositions can lead to unique typing experiences. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend and nylon bottom provide a premium touch while incorporating some acoustic dampening. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, with its nylon and POM combination, results in a classic and deeply satisfying sound. Although there are material contrasts, both designs utilize nylon for the bottom, ensuring that users experience a reliable sound profile and feel, linking their performance in a way that can bring users similar satisfaction—regardless of the nuanced distinctions between the models.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch differ notably in their actuation forces and overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, making it a better choice for users who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom-out force for the Mars switch is unavailable, which limits direct comparison on that front. Hence, while the Blue Lotus is heavier with its notable actuation and bottom-out forces, the Mars is lighter overall, making it more suited for comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Mars has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Blue Lotus the preferred choice for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, providing a more tactile and pronounced feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that feels more substantial, the Blue Lotus is the better option, whereas if you prefer a snappier experience, the Mars might be your pick.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switch presents a deeper, bassy tone that adds a rich auditory profile to each keypress, enhancing the overall typing experience. This deeper sound is characterized by lower frequency responses, which provide a more enveloping acoustic environment. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving much about its acoustic qualities unknown. It's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, so results may vary between setups.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch shines with its thoughtful design features. It offers a balanced tactile experience through its accented and snappy characteristics, which contribute to a lively typing sensation. The prominent tactility strikes a harmonious balance, ensuring that it is neither overwhelming nor overly subtle. The Blue Lotus is also distinguished by its stepped tactile response, allowing for a perceptible pre-travel and post-travel feeling that enhance engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a defined tactile feel description, making it difficult to compare directly in this aspect.
Overall, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch stands out with its richer acoustic profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Gateron Mars switch remains a mystery in terms of sound and tactile sensations. The Blue Lotus provides a detailed and dynamic typing experience, appealing to those who value responsive and engaging mechanical switches. Without specific details on the Gateron Mars, it’s unclear how it may perform in comparison, but enthusiasts who prize responsive feedback and sound may gravitate toward the Blue Lotus for its distinctive qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and a snappy response, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice, especially for both gaming and typing tasks where precision and feedback matter. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may provide a satisfying heft that ensures deliberate keystrokes, making it ideal for those who like to tactilely feel their inputs. Furthermore, the unique sound profile—characterized by a deep, bassy tone—adds an auditory richness to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smooth, linear feel without noticeable tactile bumps and desire a more effortless keypress experience, the Gateron Mars may suit you better. While it lacks the tactile feedback of the Blue Lotus, the Mars is designed to deliver a smooth, uninterrupted pressing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for rapid, repetitive keystrokes. In summary, consider the Blue Lotus if you value tactility and auditory feedback, while the Mars will be more appropriate if you prefer a mellow, fluid typing sensation.
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