Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers both tactile feedback and swift responsiveness, you may want to consider the Durock Blue Lotus. These switches are renowned for their striking blend of tactile intensity and snappiness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, the Blue Lotus switches provide a marked tactile feel that is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a satisfying keystroke. Additionally, these switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum offers a unique experience, as it feels quite hefty without featuring a huge tactile bump like many other tactile switches. This makes it a standout choice for users who prefer a weightier feel without sacrificing excessive tactility. The Plum switches also offer a more neutral and enjoyable sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Plum switches differ in several ways. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Plum switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend housing gives it a unique and premium feel. It offers a softer touch and a more subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. It is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing is ideal for those who want to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Plum switches use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. It is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is shared by both switches, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
It is important to note that the bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Blue Lotus and the Plum switches may have slightly different experiences in terms of key press and release. Overall, while the housing materials differ between the Blue Lotus and the Plum, they both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, making them reliable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, one can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, whereas the exact actuation force of the Plum switch is unknown. However, both switches can be considered medium-heavy based on their bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Plum has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, switches with heavier forces would be more suitable. In this case, the Plum switch with its heavier bottom out force may cater to their preferences.
Although the actuation force of the Plum switch is unknown, it is likely that it falls in a similar range to that of the Blue Lotus, as they both have medium-heavy bottom out forces. Hence, if an individual desires a similar typing experience in terms of force, either of these switches can provide comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and the specific typing experience one seeks.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it can be seen that the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Plum switch may be the better choice for you. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, then the Blue Lotus switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Blue Lotus switch offers a deep and rich bassy profile during key presses, thanks to its lower frequency range. This provides a satisfying and immersive auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Plum switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It doesn't have any particular emphasis on bass or high frequencies, making it enjoyable and versatile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means it provides a medium amount of tactility that is noticeable but not overwhelming. The snappiness of these switches is enhanced by longer or dual-staged springs, resulting in a more responsive typing experience. The stepped feel of these switches adds a mild pre-travel or post-travel sensation, further enhancing the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also features a stepped feel, adding a subtle pre-travel or post-travel sensation.
To summarize, the Blue Lotus switch stands out for its prominent tactile feel, snappy responsiveness, and stepped sensation. It offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a unique combination of weightiness without a huge tactile bump, making it stand apart in terms of tactile switches. Its sound profile is neutral and enjoyable. Both switches provide a decent typing experience, but with different qualities. If you prefer a marked tactile intensity and a deeper sound profile, the Blue Lotus switch is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and versatile typing experience without any particular emphasis on sound or tactility, the Plum switch would be a good fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams and a slightly reduced travel distance, these switches offer a snappy and accented typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding to the visual appeal of these switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a more neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is a solid option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches feel quite hefty but without a huge tactile bump, making them unique in their own way. The sound profile of the Plum switch is described as neutral and enjoyable. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Plum switches will depend on your preference for tactile feel and sound profile.
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