Durock Blue Lotus vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. They have a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, offering a marked tactile feel that appeals to enthusiasts who crave a satisfying click. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding captivating visual appeal to the performance.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovation. While maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, it boasts a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, earning its "semi-silent" label. This switch offers a silky smooth typing feel without being overly polished. The Blue Lotus switch brings a unique tactile experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear is categorized as accented, bassy, snappy, stepped, subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished.
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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have distinct differences in their housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. In terms of the top housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend, while the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes polycarbonate. The modified PC and UPE blend offers a premium and unique feel, providing a satisfying tactile experience when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound. Although different, both materials excel in their respective areas and can offer a pleasant typing experience.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon as the housing material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This aspect is shared by both the Blue Lotus and the Semi-Silent Linear, ensuring that users can expect a satisfying acoustic experience with a satisfying depth and resonance.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall user experience, it's worth noting that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing is likely to provide a deep and full-bodied sensation. Conversely, the top housing, responsible for the sound when releasing a key, will showcase the characteristics of the modified PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus and the polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear, leading to distinct sound profiles in each switch.
In conclusion, although the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in their housing materials, they both offer desirable qualities for typing enthusiasts. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing provides a premium and unique feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. With regard to the bottom housing, both switches boast a nylon construction that elicits a deep and full sound. These differences, especially in the top housing, ensure that users can choose the switch that aligns with their specific preferences and typing style. However, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer similar results in creating a satisfying auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two. However, both switches have a bottom out force of around 65 grams, with the Blue Lotus being slightly heavier by 3 grams.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may be inclined to choose the Blue Lotus switch. The lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, which is advantageous for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial typing feel may find the Semi-Silent Linear switch more suitable. Although the actuation force is unknown, the bottom out force of 62 grams indicates a medium weight, giving it a balance between a light and heavier typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch may differ, their bottom out forces are relatively similar. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Blue Lotus providing a medium-heavy typing experience and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a medium typing experience, both catering to different needs and preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 3.7 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 are described as having a bassy sound profile. Bassy switches provide a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as having a subdued sound. While not completely silent, these switches offer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switches are also described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level suitable for most purposes.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are referred to as having an accented feel, which is often used to describe "medium tactile" switches. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They are also described as snappy, meaning they are super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, Blue Lotus switches are described as stepped switches, which means they have a more mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as having a mild feel. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They are also referred to as snappy, indicating their responsiveness due to longer or dual-staged springs. Furthermore, Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as buttery, meaning they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switches differ in both sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile and an accented, snappy, and stepped feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches have a subdued sound profile and a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. While they offer different qualities, such as the Blue Lotus being more tactile and the Semi-Silent Linear being more linear, both switches provide a responsive typing experience. Additionally, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, it is recommended to consider all these factors when choosing between the Blue Lotus and Semi-Silent Linear switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are the way to go. With their medium-heavy bottom out force and snappy, accented, and stepped feel, these switches offer a responsive and satisfying typing experience. They also provide a bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to your key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are a great choice. With a medium bottom out force and a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel, these switches offer a gentle and enjoyable typing experience. Their semi-silent nature provides a dampened sound during key presses, making them suitable for quiet environments.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider your desired level of tactility, smoothness, and noise, and choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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