Durock Blue Lotus vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as two distinct options with unique characteristics. The Durock Blue Lotus is a tactile switch renowned for its blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel. The Cherry MX Speed Silver, on the other hand, is a linear switch prized for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it a top choice for gamers seeking maximum speed. While the Blue Lotus offers a snappy typing experience with vibrant RGB illumination, the Speed Silver promises instant triggering and optimal performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver feature nylon top and bottom housings, providing a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This results in a unique typing experience for both switches, offering a premium feel and sound quality to users.
Although both switches share the use of nylon for their housing materials, the Durock Blue Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. This blend adds a unique and premium feel to the switch, offering a different typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Blue Lotus's modified blend may enhance the overall durability and tactile feel of the switch, providing a more satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a high-quality switch housing material.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry MX Speed Silver aim to provide a superior typing experience for users. While the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound, as both options offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Blue Lotus requires a heavier touch compared to the MX Speed Silver. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 30 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Speed Silver for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the MX Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers looking for quick response times. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver's shorter travel distance could appeal to those seeking a more rapid and immediate response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel each user is looking for in their keyboard.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses, ideal for users who enjoy a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. In comparison, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, characterized by a deep, satisfying thud or knock when keys are pressed and released. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles, catering to different preferences and environments depending on the user's setup and preferences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented and snappy tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility without feeling scratchy. The stepped nature of the switch provides users with a two-stage tactile sensation, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the textured feel for added feedback, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, catering to users with different preferences for typing feel and feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Lotus switch provides a bassy sound profile and an accented, snappy tactile feel, the MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound and a textured typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and responsiveness, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, then the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. With a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination, these switches provide a visually appealing and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and rapid response for gaming, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches would be more suitable for you. With their linear action and low spring resistance, these switches trigger instantly for maximum speed in your gameplay. Consider your preferences for tactile feedback and typing speed when choosing between these two switches to find the best match for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
