Durock Blue Lotus vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, distinct differences in their characteristics become apparent. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is renowned for its tactile intensity and quick responsiveness, offering a satisfying typing experience with a marked tactile feel. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red by Cherry maintains the classic attributes of the MX Red but operates silently, making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern. While the Blue Lotus excels in providing a snappy and visually captivating experience with its RGB illumination, the MX Silent Red offers a quieter and smoother typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. While both switches use nylon for their housing materials, the Blue Lotus also incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, giving it a premium and unique feel. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red solely relies on nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound due to nylon's softer plastic composition.
In terms of sound profile, the Blue Lotus with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing may produce a different sound compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing. The Blue Lotus's housing material may contribute to a more distinct and premium sound when typing on the switches. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom housings of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the combination of housing materials in the Blue Lotus and the nylon housing in the MX Silent Red work together to offer a balanced typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we can see some key differences. The Blue Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's lighter 45 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus will require a bit more force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus also comes in heavier at 65 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's unknown bottom out force. This suggests that the Blue Lotus may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Blue Lotus is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the MX Silent Red, which may be preferred by those looking for a more robust typing experience. However, those looking for a lighter touch may gravitate towards the MX Silent Red for longer typing sessions or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth key press experience, with neither being shorter or longer in terms of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance can provide users with a familiar typing feeling, regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. Additionally, the MX Silent Red produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released, while the Blue Lotus switch is not specifically described as having this quality.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch is also described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is labeled as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is a great option for those seeking a tactile and responsive typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile and textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a tactile feel with snappy responsiveness and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red's silent operation and slightly heftier feel may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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