Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Blue Lotus from Durock is a tactile switch that stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel while typing. With slightly reduced travel distance at 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy typing experience and come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed by Gateron specifically for office environments. Known for its quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, it offers a balanced sound signature and light actuation for discreet typing in professional settings. While the Blue Lotus is 'Accented', 'Bassy', and 'Stepped', the Mountain Top is 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, 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 housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top both feature nylon components, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Blue Lotus also incorporates a modified PC & UPE blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Mountain Top. The combination of materials in the Blue Lotus may provide a different typing experience compared to the Mountain Top's pure nylon housing.
In terms of sound production, both the Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top are likely to deliver a similar deep and fuller sound profile due to the presence of nylon in their housing materials. However, the modified PC & UPE blend top housing of the Blue Lotus may contribute to a slightly different sound when releasing a key compared to the Mountain Top's nylon top housing. These subtle differences in housing materials could impact the overall typing experience for users who are attuned to sound feedback while typing.
While both switches feature nylon components in their housing materials, the Blue Lotus's additional modified PC & UPE blend top housing may provide a more premium feel compared to the Gateron Mountain Top. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials can influence the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Mountain Top will depend on personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and premium construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Lotus is the heavier option. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it is a lighter switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mountain Top would be the ideal choice, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, for users seeking a more substantial typing feel, the Blue Lotus would be the better option. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback and actuation points, so selecting between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top, which may provide a bit more depth when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience desired.
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 Mountain Top 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments due to its moderate actuation force requirement and sound level. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Blue Lotus providing a more pronounced and satisfying sound, while the Mountain Top offers a quieter and more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch is also described as snappy, giving it a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy and easy-to-press, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and requiring minimal force to activate. The Mountain Top switch also offers a mild typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Blue Lotus being more prominent and responsive, while the Mountain Top offers a gentle and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer distinct sound and feel experiences to cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switch is ideal for those who prefer a tactile and responsive typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, while the Mountain Top switch is perfect for users who value a quiet and comfortable typing experience in professional settings. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer high-quality performance and can provide satisfying results for different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should focus on your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, accented tactility, and snappy responsiveness, then the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force, easy-to-press feel, and bouncy feedback, then the Mountain Top could be the better option for your needs. It ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile, so choose the switch that aligns with your individual preferences and typing habits.
Mentioned in this article
