Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is renowned for its unique combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a snappier feedback that appeals to those who crave a marked tactile feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch that showcases smoothness and buttery goodness. With its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, this switch excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile all-purpose option. Being the go-to switch for budget enthusiasts, the Milky Yellow Pro embodies qualities such as bassy notes, textured feel, and a low-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your own preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This makes them similar in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile they offer when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches create a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. So, in terms of bottom housing material, the Blue Lotus and the Milky Yellow Pro would yield similar results.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Durock Blue Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE Blend material. This unique blend of plastics provides the Blue Lotus with a premium and distinctive feel that sets it apart from the Milky Yellow Pro. While the Milky Yellow Pro utilizes a standard nylon top housing, the Blue Lotus offers a more luxurious experience with its modified PC and UPE Blend. Therefore, for those seeking a switch with a high-end feel, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play different roles. The qualities of the bottom housing primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key. Both the Blue Lotus and the Milky Yellow Pro share the same nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel upon actuation. However, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. In this aspect, the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing may offer a different sound experience compared to the standard nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. Firstly, the Blue Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 50 grams. This means that it takes a slightly firmer press to trigger a keystroke on the Blue Lotus. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blue Lotus is again slightly heavier, requiring 65 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 62 grams.
In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the Milky Yellow Pro due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Blue Lotus. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more pronounced push, resulting in a more robust and tactile typing experience.
Although the forces differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that they both fall within the medium range. This means that whether one picks the Blue Lotus or the Milky Yellow Pro, they can expect similar results in terms of the actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Blue Lotus is shorter than the Milky Yellow Pro. It is important to note that a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, with the prevalence of shorter travel distances in recent times, gamers tend to prefer them for faster response times. So, if you value a more responsive keypress, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In this case, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Milky Yellow Pro with its longer travel distance would be the preferred option. Overall, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches share a bassy characteristic, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This lower frequency range resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches, however, also have a low-pitched quality, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches are described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are characterized as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They are also described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience, potentially due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a stepped feel, meaning they have a mild two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches are known for their buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. While the Blue Lotus switches offer a more pronounced tactile experience, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches prioritize smoothness and texture-free typing.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches are perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel, with their accentuated and snappy qualities. Combined with their vibrant RGB illumination, they offer a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches are highly versatile and budget-friendly options that excel in both gaming and typing scenarios. Their smooth and buttery feel, accompanied by a thocky sound, make them well-suited for various applications. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a distinctive feel and sound, the Blue Lotus is a great choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a focus on smoothness and versatility, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is an excellent option. Both switches offer unique qualities, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a marked tactile feel with a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches deliver a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them perfect for both gaming and typing. They also have a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a satisfyingly thick resistance, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches would be a great option. Known for their low "thocky" sound profile and smoothness, these switches excel in both gaming and typing scenarios. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, they offer a medium feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize tactile intensity and RGB illumination or a smooth and buttery typing experience.
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