Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Sage are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy typing experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switches are renowned for their distinct clicky typing experience. These switches have a heavier weight and offer a refreshingly sharp clickiness. If you prefer an invigorating and crunchy typing experience, the Kailh Sage switches may be the ideal choice for you. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
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 Sage have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a satisfying typing experience with a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
However, where they differ is in their top housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials creates a switch with a high-quality tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches provide excellent typing experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences. If you prioritize a premium feel and a unique tactile sensation, the Durock Blue Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a sharper and crisper sound profile, as well as the ability to incorporate RGB lighting, the Kailh Sage's polycarbonate top housing is worth considering. Choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the Sage is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience due to their higher actuation forces, offering a satisfying push feel. However, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming might lean towards the Blue Lotus, while those seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the slightly heavier Sage. In terms of weight, the Blue Lotus is considered to be lighter than the Sage, providing a potentially more comfortable typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, whether choosing the Blue Lotus or the Sage, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a reliable and consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have similar travel distances, with the Blue Lotus being slightly longer by 0.1 mm. These travel distances are considered shorter compared to the traditional 4.0 mm and are preferred by gamers for faster response times. If you value quick responsiveness, either switch would be suitable. However, if you prefer a deeper key press, the Blue Lotus would provide a slightly more significant depth compared to the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Sage 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that the sound is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switches have a crunchy sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means that they provide a medium level of tactility, not overwhelming nor subtle. The typing experience with these switches feels responsive and alive, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs. The Sage switches, on the other hand, offer an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive sensation. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, creating a distinctive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches deliver a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. They have a snappy feel and a bassy sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a marked tactile experience. The Kailh Sage switches, on the other hand, offer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. Based on the available information, these two switches provide different subjective qualities. However, if you are looking for a similar result in terms of sound and feel, you can expect a comparable experience between the Blue Lotus and Sage switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness in a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its slightly reduced travel and medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a snappy typing experience that many enthusiasts enjoy. Additionally, the detachable light column adds visual appeal with vibrant RGB illumination.
On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be the better option. These switches are known for their heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, offering a unique and satisfying typing feel. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Sage switches provide a clicky sound that resembles stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, creating an immersive and auditory typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Sage depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus is the way to go. However, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier feel, the Sage is the ideal choice. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided to further guide your decision.
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