Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switch stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a distinct tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is known for reinvigorating the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a classic clicky sound coupled with tactile feedback. The Blue Lotus switch features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, while the Melodic switch is described as buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Melodic differ in terms of their top housing material. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Blue Lotus's top housing provides a distinct and quality feel, the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing is favored for its clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In contrast, both the Blue Lotus and the Melodic switches share a nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similarity in housing material between the Blue Lotus and the Melodic ensures that users will experience a consistent sound profile and typing feel across both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Melodic plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. While the Blue Lotus offers a unique blend of PC and UPE for its top housing, resulting in a premium feel, the Melodic stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is consistent across both switches. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for switches can significantly impact the overall feel and sound quality, making it an important consideration for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard experience.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, with 55 grams versus None grams. However, the Blue Lotus has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Melodic comes in at 60 grams. This means that while the Melodic may require a bit more force to initiate a keystroke, the Blue Lotus will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range in terms of overall force. Depending on personal preferences, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Melodic for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Blue Lotus for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Melodic, providing a slightly quicker response time for those who prefer faster typing or gaming experiences. On the other hand, the Melodic's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial keypress feel for users who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. However, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their respective travel distances.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 is known for its bassy profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound, characterized by higher-pitched tones and a crisp, autumn-leaf-like sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Blue Lotus providing a deeper tone and the Melodic offering a sharper, clicky sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium tactile experience with a responsive feel and a two-stage keystroke sensation. Meanwhile, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, with the Blue Lotus focusing on tactile intensity and responsiveness while the Melodic prioritizes smoothness and firm actuation force.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Melodic switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus excels in tactile intensity and a vibrant, visual appeal with its detachable light column, making it ideal for those who prefer a marked tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic provides a smooth and immersive typing experience with its factory lubing and dual-railed stems, reinvigorating the clicky switch category. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile intensity and responsiveness or smoothness and fluidity in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a marked tactile feel with snappy responsiveness, then the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy vibrant RGB illumination and a visual appeal in your keyboard switches, the Blue Lotus offers that added bonus. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium bottom out force and value the classic clicky sound with smoothness, the Gateron Melodic could be the switch for you. Its advancements in factory lubing and dual-railed stems ensure a satisfying experience with the signature clicky sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience when selecting between these two impressive mechanical keyboard switches.
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