Durock Blue Lotus vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Brown 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 Brown. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are well-regarded for their exceptional tactile response and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are known for their subtlety. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Categorized as "textured," "bassy," and "low-pitched," the MX Browns provide a comfortable and quiet 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Brown switches have several notable differences. Firstly, the Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials contribute to the overall typing experience, the Blue Lotus' modified PC & UPE Blend housing offers a different tactile sensation, making it stand out from the MX Brown's nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon for this component. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both the Blue Lotus and MX Brown switches create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, even with the same housing material, there may be variations in the overall typing experience due to differences in switch design, actuation force, and other factors.
It's important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two parts. Pressing down on a switch primarily exposes the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. While the specific effects may differ between the Blue Lotus and MX Brown, understanding the role of each housing material can help in comparing and contrasting their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is heavier, requiring 55 grams of force, while the MX Brown is lighter, only requiring 45 grams of force. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch when typing may find the MX Brown more suitable for longer periods of use, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may lean towards the Blue Lotus, as it has a heavier actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus also requires more force to fully press down the key, measuring at 65 grams. Conversely, the MX Brown has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that when fully depressing the key, the Blue Lotus provides a slightly more resistant and robust feel compared to the MX Brown.
Overall, the weight of a switch is an individual preference that depends on the user's typing style and preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the MX Brown, while those who want a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Blue Lotus. Both switches offer their own unique advantages and can provide satisfactory results depending on the user's needs and preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing these two switches, it is clear that the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance than the Blue Lotus. However, both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard or traditional travel distance for switches.
If you are someone who values faster response times and prefers a shorter travel distance, then the Blue Lotus switch may be the better option for you. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper press, the MX Brown switch with its longer travel distance might be more to your liking. Some users find that shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt, so the MX Brown may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a good amount of depth in their key presses.
In conclusion, while the Blue Lotus and MX Brown switches have slight differences in their travel distances, both options can provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on your preferences.
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 Brown 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, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry MX Brown switches are described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Therefore, while the Blue Lotus and MX Brown switches may have similar sound characteristics, the overall sound experience may vary based on these additional elements.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped switches. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Snappy switches are characterized by their swift and responsive typing experience, which can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs. Lastly, stepped switches have a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making them more mild in comparison to hypertactile switches. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are described as textured switches. This means that they have noticeable friction when pressed, providing a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. The texture of the MX Brown switches is a matter of personal preference, as some users may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry MX Brown switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches offer a snappy and responsive typing experience with a medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassy sound profile. Meanwhile, the MX Brown switches provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and a textured feel, also producing a bassy sound. Both switches can deliver satisfying tactile feedback, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the qualities described for either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize 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 typing experience that is accented and snappy, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a slightly reduced travel distance and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light typing experience that is textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. The MX Brown switches deliver a relatively light tactile feel, allowing for a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
Both switches share similar sound characteristics, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. They can be characterized by lower frequency ranges resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry MX Brown switches depends on your personal preference for tactile intensity, responsiveness, and audio feedback. Consider your desired typing experience and whether you lean towards a prominent tactile feel (Blue Lotus) or a more subtle tactile profile (MX Brown). By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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