Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that many enthusiasts enjoy. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column that offers vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience. They provide a fairly deep sound profile, which adds to the typing experience without being overly distracting. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating', the NovelKeys Cream switches are ideal for those seeking a satisfying linear switch option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches differ in their housing materials, which affects the overall feel and sound of the switches. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, while the Cream has a POM top housing. Both materials offer a unique and premium feel, but the Blue Lotus is described as having a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Cream's relatively more muted sound. While the Cream is also made with a POM bottom housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which further enhances its sound profile by creating a duller and rounder tone.

The top housings of both the Blue Lotus and Cream switches play a role in the sound produced when pressing down and letting go of a key. The modified PC and UPE Blend material in the Blue Lotus contributes to a unique and premium feel, while the POM material in the Cream provides an incredibly pleasing sound with a deeper tone. The differences in these materials result in distinct sound profiles for each switch. When bottoming out a key, the Blue Lotus with its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Cream with its POM bottom housing has a relatively more muted sound.

In terms of feel and sound, the Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches deliver similar results in certain aspects. Both switches offer a unique and premium feel, thanks to their respective top housing materials. The modified PC & UPE Blend material in the Blue Lotus and the POM material in the Cream create distinct typing experiences. Additionally, while the bottom housing materials differ, both switches produce pleasant and unique sound profiles. The Blue Lotus, with its nylon bottom housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Cream, with its POM bottom housing, creates a relatively more muted sound. Therefore, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, albeit with slight variations in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches have a requirement of 55 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures a consistent typing experience, allowing users to expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and sensitivity. However, when considering the bottom out force, we see a distinction. The Durock Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the NovelKeys Cream requires slightly more force to fully press the key down compared to the Blue Lotus.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, where their fingers glide effortlessly over the keys, the Blue Lotus may be the more suitable choice, as it has a lighter bottom out force. This can be advantageous for longer typing sessions, whether it be at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who appreciate a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream provides a heavier bottoming out force, which adds a sense of solidity and resistance to each keystroke. This can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a medium-heavy actuation force, but the slight difference in bottom out force allows users to choose the level of resistance they desire. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream provide options that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying and customized typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the NovelKeys Cream being slightly longer. However, the difference in travel distance may not have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. Some users may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus for a faster response time, particularly useful in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper keypress and a more substantial feel may prefer the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and the desired depth of keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is best described as bassy. These switches 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 Cream switch has a low-pitched, resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch can be characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it a medium tactile switch. The snappiness of these switches is due to longer or dual-staged springs, which makes the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped design gives a mild tactile sensation with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing experience. The keystrokes on these switches are smooth, fluid, and effortless, providing a seamless and uniform sensation. There is noticeable friction when pressing these switches, which some users prefer for a textured feel. The Cream switches also offer pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel.

In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, producing a bassy sound profile and providing an accented, snappy, and stepped typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with low-pitched, resonant sound, and a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel. While the sound and feel characteristics differ between the two switches, both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal, either switch can offer a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness in your typing experience, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel. The Blue Lotus switches also come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual appeal to your mechanical keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is a solid option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy feel similar to the Blue Lotus. The Cream switches offer a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, they are described as buttery and textured, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more