Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Durock offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences. Two popular choices are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile, both of which are tactile switches. The Blue Lotus stands out for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a different flavor of tactility, characterized by a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback. It also has a unique jelly-like sound signature, adding a touch of novelty to your typing experience. Both switches fall into the "Accented" and "Stepped" categories, but the Blue Lotus is described as "Bassy" and "Snappy," while the Medium Tactile is described as "Mild" and "Polished." 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
65g
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 housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Medium Tactile switches exhibit some similarities and differences. Both switches have a top housing made of different materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Medium Tactile has a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, both switches' top housings are compatible with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Medium Tactile switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is widely used as a switch housing material due to its quality of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Hence, pressing down on either switch will offer a similar experience as both utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing.
When considering the overall impact on the typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housings play a significant role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch. In contrast, the top housing largely influences the sound when releasing a key. So, although the Blue Lotus and the Medium Tactile differ in their top housing materials, they create comparable sound experiences during key release, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is known to be 55 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is currently unavailable. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when typing.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Blue Lotus. Its actuation force of 55 grams allows for a lighter keystroke, enabling longer typing sessions and making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier force. Although the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unknown, its bottom out force of 65 grams suggests a similar medium-heavy feel as the Blue Lotus.
Ultimately, whether someone prefers the lighter actuation force of the Blue Lotus or the potentially heavier actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch will depend on their personal typing preferences. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with a tangible feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of length, the Medium Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus switch. The 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.7mm distance falls on the shorter end. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Blue Lotus switch with its shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a feeling of depth, the Medium Tactile switch's longer travel distance might be the better option.
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 Medium 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 Medium 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
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches are known for their bassy sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during keystrokes, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Medium Tactile switches are unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Blue Lotus and Medium Tactile switches are described as accented. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, both switches are considered stepped switches. This means that they have a tactile bump that feels more mild compared to switches with a larger, more pronounced bump. Stepped switches provide a nuanced typing experience where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
The Blue Lotus switches are also described as snappy, indicating that they are super responsive. This is likely due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. As for the Medium Tactile switches, they are described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches fall in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches deliver a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness with a bassy sound profile. They provide a snappy typing experience and are accented and stepped. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switches offer a pronounced yet balanced tactility and have a jelly-like sound signature, although specifics about the sound are unknown. They are also accented and stepped, providing a mild and polished typing experience. Based on these descriptions, it can be expected that the Blue Lotus switches will offer a more intense tactile experience and a deeper sound profile compared to the Medium Tactile switches, which may have a softer tactility and a more subdued sound. However, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and values captivating visual appeal, then the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, perfect for those who want snappy switches. With a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches deliver both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the better choice. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them great for those who want a medium tactile experience. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switches offer a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the Blue Lotus and Medium Tactile switches will depend on your preferences for tactile intensity, sound profile, and visual appeal.
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