Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Oil King are both top contenders. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that stands out for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying key press. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column that adds a vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Oil King is a linear switch known for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Belonging to the low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished categories, these switches deliver a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Oil King switches differ in several ways. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches have different top housing materials, they both contribute to enhancing the sound experience when typing. The Blue Lotus gives a distinct premium feel, while the Oil King prioritizes a deeper sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus is composed of nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of the nylon material absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder overall sound experience. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This unique blend results in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Oil King switches differ, their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch can be analyzed separately. The bottom housing, whether it is the nylon in the Blue Lotus or the INK blend in the Oil King, has more influence on the sound and feel when bottoming out the keys. The properties of each housing material contribute to the deeper, fuller sound profile in their respective switches. Conversely, the top housing material, whether it is the modified PC and UPE Blend in the Blue Lotus or the nylon in the Oil King, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that both have the same actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls under the category of medium-heavy. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and pressing all the way down with both switches. Weight is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions without strain, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may lean towards switches with heavier forces. In this comparison, both the Blue Lotus and Oil King switches offer a similar force profile, providing options for users who prefer a medium-heavy switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. For those who prefer a quick and responsive keystroke, the Blue Lotus would be the preferred option with its shorter travel distance. This is especially true for gamers who value faster response times. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress and a deeper feeling, the longer travel distance of the Oil King might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one chooses the shorter or longer travel distance, both options will provide satisfactory results for their respective preferences.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch is known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. These switches offer a marked tactile feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, resulting in snappier key presses. They also feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate bar snapping sound profile. These switches offer a luxurious typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. The Oil King switches are described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses.
When it comes to sound, the Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy profile, characterized by a lower frequency range. The Oil King switches share similar characteristics, with a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience during typing, but it's important to note that the sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. They provide a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, ensuring a pleasant and responsive typing experience. The Oil King switches, on the other hand, are described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. They offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with reduced resistance and effortless keystrokes.
To summarize, both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities. The Blue Lotus switches excel in tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, while also featuring vibrant RGB illumination. The Oil King switches provide a luxurious typing experience with buttery smoothness and a deep, bassy sound profile. Depending on your preference for either tactile or linear switches, as well as your desired sound and feel, you can expect excellent results from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. With their medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and slightly reduced travel, these switches deliver a snappy and responsive feel. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding to the overall visual appeal of the switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience without the tactile feedback, the Gateron Oil King linear switches are an excellent option. With the same bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer buttery smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile that resembles the snap of a dark chocolate bar. Overall, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your typing experience.
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