Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Rosewood stand out for their distinct characteristics and appeal to different typing preferences. The Blue Lotus, renowned for its tactile switch design, offers users an intense tactile feedback paired with a quick response time, thanks to its shorter 3.7mm travel distance. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience along with an eye-catching RGB lighting system enabled by its removable light column. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is a linear switch that delivers a smooth and deep typing experience, characterized by its 'thocky' sound, which is enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant. This makes the Rosewood exceptionally appealing for typists who prefer the quiet, uninterrupted flow of keystrokes without the tactile bumps, providing a more serene and fluid typing environment. Both options cater to unique typing styles: the Blue Lotus is perfect for those who revel in tactile feedback and responsiveness, while the Rosewood suits those who appreciate a smooth, satisfying auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Rosewood, a notable distinction lies in the top housing compositions. The Blue Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE, which introduces a unique and premium feel that can enhance the typing experience with subtle tactile feedback. This modified PC and UPE blend is designed to provide a more dynamic response, contributing to a snappier and slightly more reactive sensation when keys are pressed. Conversely, the Rosewood's top housing is constructed from nylon, a classic switch housing material that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile but does not provide the same level of tactile nuance as the modified blend found in the Blue Lotus. The differences in top housing materials will affect not only the feel of the switch during typing but also the auditory feedback when keys are released.

In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which results in a shared characteristic: the capacity to absorb sound effectively. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound profile of each switch, ensuring that the typing experience remains quiet and muted. This softer plastic material allows for a duller and rounder sound when keys are bottomed out, making both switches comparable in this regard. While the Blue Lotus offers a distinctive tactile experience through its modified PC and UPE blend on the top housing, both the Blue Lotus and Rosewood share a commonality in the acoustic damping provided by their nylon bottom housings.

Thus, despite the differences in their top housing materials— with the Blue Lotus leaning towards a more responsive experience and the Rosewood cultivating a classic nylon feel—both switches exhibit a penchant for producing a robust acoustic signature through their nylon bottoms. When you engage with the Durock Blue Lotus, you will notice nuanced feedback that is characteristic of the modified PC material, whereas the Rosewood offers a more traditional feel that echoes the historical use of nylon in keyboard switches. Ultimately, while these switches have distinct attributes, they both deliver satisfying performance thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing, which ensures a rich and muted sound profile with every keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer the ease of a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more effort to activate and bottom out compared to the Rosewood, providing a distinct tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the Rosewood switch is lighter, while the Blue Lotus switch is heavier, indicating different user preferences in terms of typing feel and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find that the Blue Lotus measures 3.7 mm, while the Rosewood has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Rosewood switch provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key feel. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users who prefer a quicker response and less key travel, aligning with the growing trend towards shorter switch distances. Users seeking a balance between depth and responsiveness may gravitate toward the Durock Blue Lotus, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback may choose the Akko Rosewood. Overall, while both switches offer unique benefits, the Blue Lotus is the shorter option, and the Rosewood is the longer.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have a unique profundity characterized by a bassy tone. This deeper sound profile provides a richer acoustic experience during key presses, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is known to produce a deep, satisfying "thock" sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. While both switches deliver pleasing acoustic qualities, the Blue Lotus leans toward a bass resonance, whereas the Rosewood provides a more pronounced thock that typists might find equally gratifying. The overall sound will also depend on your choice of keyboard, keycaps, and building materials, but both switches promise an engaging auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches excel with a well-rounded tactile feedback profile. They are accented, meaning they offer a medium tactile sensation that is pronounced without being overwhelming, making them perfect for users who enjoy a clear tactile response but prefer to avoid overly aggressive bumps. Additionally, their snappy nature makes typing feel lively and responsive, attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, while the stepped aspect adds a nuanced two-stage feel to each keystroke. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the Akko Rosewood switch are unknown, so a direct comparison regarding the typing experience may not be comprehensive. However, users can generally expect linear switches like the Rosewood to provide a smooth, frictionless travel that contrasts with the tactile feedback of the Blue Lotus.

In summary, while both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Rosewood switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Blue Lotus's bassy sound and intricate tactile feel speak to those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience, while the Rosewood’s satisfying thock makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring you can find a switch that aligns with your specific typing style and aesthetic desires.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a tactile experience with a pronounced bump and prefer a heavier actuation force that offers a more deliberate feel, the Blue Lotus would be an excellent pick. Its snappy responsiveness and medium-heavy bottom out force make it ideal for those who enjoy typing with a defined feedback, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where tactile cues can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter experience with less resistance, the Rosewood would suit you better. With its lighter actuation force and deep thocky sound profile, it excels in providing a fluid typing experience, making it great for both casual typing and extended periods of use where fatigue might be a concern. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—tactility vs. smoothness, sound profile, and actuation force—as you make your decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more