Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Durock Blue Lotus is known for its impressive blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel and snappy feedback. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, adding captivating visual appeal to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer a very sharp tactile bump, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a sharp typing feel. These switches have a lower-than-average sound frequency, coming across as a little deeper but not overly "thocky." With categories like "accented," "bassy," and "stepped" for the Blue Lotus, and "snappy," "buttery," and "textured" for the Blueberry, both switches have their own unique qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you better decide on the best switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. The NovelKeys Blueberry, on the other hand, has a POM top housing, creating an incredibly pleasing and deep sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Blue Lotus delivers a more distinct and premium feel, while the Blueberry offers a deeper and more muted sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deep and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Blue Lotus creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry employs a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to the pleasant and unique sound profile of the switch. The POM material in the bottom housing, like nylon, enhances the deep sound while maintaining a relatively more muted tone.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. When you press down on either the Blue Lotus or the Blueberry, the qualities of their respective bottom housings will be more pronounced. On the other hand, the top housing is more significant in creating the sound when you release a key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, albeit with distinct sound profiles depending on which aspect of the housing is being emphasized.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that they have some similarities, but also a few key differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 55 grams, providing a consistent force required to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect a similar level of responsiveness when typing or gaming with either of these switches.

However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a notable distinction. The Durock Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. This indicates that there is a slightly heavier feel when pressing the keys all the way down, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a better choice for individuals who desire an even stronger push feel when typing.

Considering the weight of a switch is crucial for individuals who have specific preferences. Those who prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out force may find the Durock Blue Lotus more suitable, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This is especially useful for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during marathon gaming sessions. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, with its heavier bottom out force, will appeal to typists seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience.

Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer their own unique advantages. While the actuation force remains the same, the difference in bottom out force allows users to tailor their typing experience according to their preferences. Whether one prefers a medium-heavy or heavy switch, both options provide a solid tactile feedback for an enhanced typing and gaming experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Blueberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blueberry being closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. In this case, the Blue Lotus would be the preferred choice as it offers a slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. For those seeking a more substantial keypress experience, the Blueberry with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are best described as bassy. This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. The low-pitched sound is more bass-heavy and mellow, while the resonant sound profile is higher-pitched and clean.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches can be described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The snappiness of these switches comes from their super responsiveness, which is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the stepped design of these switches provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile experience.

On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. Like the Blue Lotus switches, they are also snappy and provide a super responsive typing experience. The buttery switch feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the invigorating aspect indicates pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. The textured property may offer noticeable friction when pressed, which some users prefer, while others may favor a smoother typing experience. Lastly, the stiffness of these switches requires more force to actuate and/or bottom-out.

Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a marked tactile feel, snappiness, and a bassy sound profile, making them suitable for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience with deeper and richer sound. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches provide a sharp typing feel, snappiness, a buttery smooth typing sensation, and a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. When it comes to sound and feel, the Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches share the snappy attribute, ensuring a similar responsive typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them perfect for those who enjoy a prominent key feel. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a sharp typing feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would be a better fit. These switches have a very sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who love a pronounced tactile feedback. The lower-than-average sound frequency adds to the overall typing experience without being overly "thocky." In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus offers a bassy tone, while the Blueberry has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. As for the feel, both switches offer a snappy typing experience, but the Blueberry is also described as buttery, invigorating, and stiff, providing a smooth and reactive keystroke with a higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile feel, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more