Durock Blue Lotus vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are numerous options to choose from, each with its own set of characteristics. Two popular options worth considering are the Durock Blue Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches, both falling under the tactile switch category. Durock's Blue Lotus switches are well-known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a snappy feel, making them ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column that provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating aspect to their performance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer a different experience. They are exquisitely gentle with a soft and seductive tactility, providing a neutral sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Categorized as 'neutral', 'mild', 'thocky', and 'polished', the Meteor Orange switches offer a smooth and polished feel. However, let's delve deeper into these details so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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 Durock Blue Lotus and the SP-Star Meteor Orange have different materials for their top housing. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. While both materials provide distinct characteristics, the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend may offer a different tactile experience compared to the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing. However, both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results with their respective top housing materials.
Both the Blue Lotus and the Meteor Orange share nylon as their material for the bottom housing. Nylon has long been used in switch housing due to its ability to produce a deep and full sound. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In this aspect, the Blue Lotus and the Meteor Orange will likely have similar sound profiles, as both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. The bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the typing experience for both switches.
When comparing the effects of the top and bottom housing on the switches, there is a noticeable difference. The qualities of the bottom housing have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Blue Lotus, with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, may offer a distinct feel when pressing down on the keys compared to the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing. However, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying and responsive typing experience due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Meteor Orange's actuation force is unavailable. However, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, slightly heavier than the Meteor Orange's 57 grams. This makes the Blue Lotus a medium-heavy switch, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Meteor Orange falls into the medium-light category, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a lighter touch. Despite the difference in actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that both switches should provide similar results in terms of keystroke activation, albeit with varying levels of force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, such as desired weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have differing travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue Lotus falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, offering a more responsive typing experience favored by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange provides a slightly longer travel distance, giving a feeling of more depth and a potentially more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer it. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Blue Lotus emphasizing speed and the Meteor Orange prioritizing a deeper keystroke.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy profile, characterized by a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This creates a lower frequency range, akin to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches exhibit a neutral sound profile. They have a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or work. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switches also have a thocky quality, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The snappy nature of the switches comes from longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. As for the stepped characteristic, these switches have a mild feel compared to hypertactile switches. You can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, which adds a subtle but noticeable difference in the typing experience.
In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches have a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable for most users, as the sound and feel stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Moreover, the switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Lotus switches deliver a marked tactile feel, snappiness, and accented, snappy, and stepped characteristics. Meanwhile, the Meteor Orange switches provide a soft and seductive tactility, a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, and a mild and polished feel. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences. The Blue Lotus switches are well-suited for those who enjoy a more intense tactile feel, while the Meteor Orange switches are ideal for those seeking a gentler typing experience. Regardless of your choice, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel. The Blue Lotus switches also feature a slightly reduced travel distance, making them snappy and perfect for those who crave a tactile typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and seductive tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a bottom out force of 57 grams, offering a medium-light feel. They boast a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of uses and environments. The Meteor Orange switches also produce a satisfying thocky sound, creating a pleasant auditory experience. Overall, your choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactile intensity, travel distance, visual appeal, and sound profile.
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