Durock Blue Lotus vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Red are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Durock Blue Lotus is celebrated for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, thanks to its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a tactile typing experience, and the detachable light column adds a visually captivating element with RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is known for its heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience in addition to its responsiveness. While the Blue Lotus is described as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Snappy', and 'Stepped', the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Both switches have their own unique strengths and characteristics, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry MX Red switches both feature a top housing made of nylon, which is known for providing a deep and full sound profile during typing. However, the Blue Lotus also includes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the traditional nylon housing of the MX Red. This difference in materials could result in a different typing experience for users, with the Blue Lotus potentially offering a more refined and high-end feel compared to the MX Red.
On the other hand, both the Blue Lotus and MX Red switches have a bottom housing made of nylon, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile experienced while typing on these switches. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users may experience a similar sound quality when bottoming out keys on both switches. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Lotus is paired with a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, potentially offering a more well-rounded sound profile and typing experience compared to the MX Red's all-nylon construction.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry MX Red switches play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes. While both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, the Blue Lotus's additional modified PC & UPE Blend top housing sets it apart by providing a unique and premium feel. This difference in housing materials could result in a more refined typing experience for those who prefer a switch with a high-end touch, while the MX Red's classic nylon housing may appeal to users looking for a more traditional typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus requires a heavier touch overall. 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 Cherry MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The lighter actuation force of the MX Red may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Blue Lotus may be more satisfying. The contrast in forces between the two switches allows for users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch's 3.7 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Red being on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 offers a bassy profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a satisfyingly deep and mellow tone. While the Blue Lotus delivers a bassy sound, the MX Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, catering to different preferences based on the user's auditory preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a tactile typing experience that is responsive and distinct. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, offering a unique friction feel for users who prefer a different tactile experience. The Blue Lotus switch focuses on providing a noticeable tactile feel with its accented and snappy characteristics, while the MX Red switch appeals to users who enjoy textured switches that add a layer of friction to the typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry MX Red switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch stands out with its bassy sound profile and accented, snappy feel, catering to users who enjoy a tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch provides a thocky, low-pitched sound and textured feel, appealing to users who prefer a different auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you value a tactile and responsive feel with a visually appealing RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force and accented, snappy feel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile for a robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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