Durock Blue Lotus vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry Nixie stand out as popular choices with their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus from Durock offers a tactile experience with a snappy response, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Additionally, its reduced travel distance and detachable light column for RGB illumination add both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its textured typing experience and substantial heft, blending tradition with modern innovation through updated materials and springs. While the Blue Lotus is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', the Nixie is labeled as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your preference for tactile feedback or smooth linear typing. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry Nixie switches are quite different. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Nixie features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Blue Lotus focuses on a more premium feel, the Cherry Nixie prioritizes sound profile and typing experience with its nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and Nixie switches utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housings, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more satisfying sound profile. Although the top and bottom housings may vary in material between the switches, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar sound profile that is rich and full for both the Blue Lotus and Cherry Nixie switches.
In terms of performance, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Cherry Nixie switches each bring a unique set of qualities to the typing experience. While the Blue Lotus emphasizes a premium feel with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, the Nixie places a greater focus on sound profile and typing satisfaction with its nylon top housing. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a premium feel or a rich sound profile, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences while delivering a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Blue Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, putting it in the heavy category. This means that the Blue Lotus requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Nixie, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Nixie's 4 mm. The difference of 0.3 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus's shorter travel distance may be preferred by individuals looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Nixie's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press sensation. 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 experience, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, producing a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Lotus offering a deeper bass tone and the Nixie providing a rich thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, delivering a medium tactile experience that is responsive and lively. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. While the Blue Lotus provides a tactile feel that is not overwhelming yet not scratchy, the Nixie offers a more textured typing experience that some users may prefer for its unique feedback.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel and visually appealing keyboards. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch combines tradition with modern innovation by incorporating updated materials and springs for a substantial and textured typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and snappy responsiveness, then the Blue Lotus switches may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a textured typing feel with a deep and satisfying sound profile, the Cherry Nixie switches might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and snappiness or a hefty and textured typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a customized keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
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