Durock Blue Lotus vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Black. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are praised for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. Their slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, gives them a snappy feel that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant and eye-catching RGB illumination, making them not only performant but visually appealing as well. On the other hand, the MX Black switches from Cherry have been perfected with their new Hyperglide tooling, offering a textured smoothness that many typists admire. These switches are noted for their low-pitched sound profile and stiffer feel, which can provide a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Black switches have several similarities and differences. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which gives them a classic feel and a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a premium typing experience with their nylon top housings.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Blue Lotus switch utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its bottom housing, while the MX Black switch features a nylon bottom housing. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, the Blue Lotus switch may offer a unique and premium feel due to its modified PC and UPE blend bottom housing. On the other hand, the MX Black switch's nylon bottom housing will contribute to its characteristic deep and full sound profile when typing.
In summary, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Black switches share a nylon top housing that enhances the typing experience by providing a classic feel and a deeper sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Blue Lotus utilizing a modified PC and UPE blend and the MX Black featuring a nylon bottom housing. These differences may result in variations in the overall feel and sound when pressing and releasing the keys. Nonetheless, both switches promise to deliver satisfying and premium typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the MX Black requires slightly more force at 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams, whereas the MX Black is even heavier at 80 grams. This means that while the actuation forces are not too far apart, the MX Black is noticeably heavier when it comes to bottoming out.
Considering weight as an important factor, those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Blue Lotus. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a lighter feel that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who use their keyboards extensively, be it at work or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the MX Black suits those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it offers a stronger push feel that can provide a satisfying tactile feedback. This is ideal for individuals who value the responsiveness and solidity that comes with a heavier switch.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus and MX Black switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, both options cater to different preferences. Whether it's the lighter touch of the Blue Lotus or the heavier, more substantial feel of the MX Black, users can choose the switch that suits their individual typing style and desired experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that the MX Black has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance at 3.7 mm. In terms of tradition, the 4.0 mm travel distance is considered the most typical, while 3.0 mm is regarded as the most shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter distances for faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus would be ideal. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt, and instead prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the MX Black for a more substantial feel.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 switches are described as having a bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Therefore, while the Blue Lotus and MX Black switches have different sound characteristics, the overall sound experience can be customized to some extent.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their accented tactility. This means that they provide a noticeable amount of tactile feedback without being overly overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, these switches are described as snappy, offering a highly responsive typing experience. They also have a stepped feel, meaning that there is a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation during the keystroke. In comparison, the Cherry MX Black switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. Furthermore, the MX Black switches are classified as stiff, meaning they require more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are praised for their tactile intensity, snappiness, and vibrant RGB illumination. They offer a bassy sound profile and a feel that is accented, snappy, and stepped. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their smoothness, deep sound profile, and textured feel. While these switches have distinct qualities, it is worth noting that individual preferences play a significant role in the overall typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you prioritize a marked tactile feel and captivating visual appeal, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience while still being responsive. The slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm enhances the snappiness of these switches, making typing feel more alive. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant and glowy RGB illumination. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic textured smoothness and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switches would be a suitable option. With a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches require more force to actuate and provide a distinct low-pitched sound during key presses. However, it is worth noting that the MX Black switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Lotus and MX Black switches would depend on your preference for tactile intensity, responsiveness, visual appeal, smoothness, and sound profile.
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