Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Mini i are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who prefer a marked tactile feel while also offering vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches provide gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, making them ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mini i both feature nylon material for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Blue Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel not found in the Mini i. This blend creates a different typing experience, potentially appealing to those looking for a switch with a special touch.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the Durock Blue Lotus differs with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which could impact the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The Gateron Mini i, on the other hand, maintains consistency in its housing materials throughout. Users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile from both switches due to the nylon bottom housing, but the Blue Lotus may offer a distinct typing experience with its premium top housing material. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mini i play a crucial role. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, they vary in their top housing materials. The modified PC & UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel, while the Mini i sticks with nylon for both top and bottom housing. This could lead to a different typing experience between the two switches, with the Blue Lotus potentially offering a more premium feel and sound compared to the Mini i. Ultimately, users can choose based on their preference for a specialized typing experience or a more consistent sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The differences in weight between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter Mini i for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier Blue Lotus for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Mini i for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke may find the Blue Lotus more satisfying with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the level of responsiveness and depth desired in a 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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for various settings. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as having an accented, snappy, and stepped feel, providing a medium tactile experience with responsive keystrokes and a two-stage tactile feel. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation, gentle resistance, and a light typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations tailored to different preferences and typing styles.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Blue Lotus switch emphasizes tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and a bassy sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel and deeper keypress sound. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch focuses on gentle tactility, a balanced sound profile, and easy-to-press keys, catering to users seeking a comfortable typing experience with minimal noise. Regardless of the differences in sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, providing users with versatile options based on their preferences. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences with either the Durock Blue Lotus or Gateron Mini i switches, achieving similar results in tactile feedback and overall performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a marked tactile feel, and snappiness in each keystroke, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. The detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination adds visual appeal to the performance-driven typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a gentle tactility, and a fairly muted sound profile suitable for office environments, the Gateron Mini i switches would be the perfect fit. Their lightweight design and quiet typing feedback make them ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without the intrusive clack. Ultimately, your decision between the Blue Lotus and Mini i switches will come down to your preference for tactile intensity, bottom out force, and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and environment for the best keyboarding experience.
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