Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are renowned for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that many enthusiasts appreciate. Additionally, they feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to their performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer a quieter typing experience, making them ideal for environments that require limited audio feedback. These switches provide a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal noise, ensuring a more subdued typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
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 Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have different housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. While both switches offer a satisfying sound, the Blue Lotus is known for its clacky sound, while the Silent Ink Black produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon material. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Blue Lotus produces a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This material contributes to the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch experience, pressing down on the switch will provide a sense of the bottom housing's qualities. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. When releasing a key, the top housing becomes more prominent, affecting the sound produced. While the Blue Lotus and Silent Ink Black may have contrasting housing materials, they both provide a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force indicates the amount of force needed to initiate a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to fully depress the switch.
In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires 55 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly higher force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly higher force to fully depress the switch compared to the Blue Lotus. Again, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, offering a similar level of resistance for a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. In this case, the Blue Lotus with its lower actuation and bottom out forces may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In conclusion, while there are slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, they both fall within the medium-heavy range. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force required for keystrokes, providing a satisfying and substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press may find the Silent Ink Black with its slightly longer travel distance more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for delivering a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. This lower frequency range gives them a distinctive and immersive auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches provide a muted sound that is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. These silenced switches are ideal for those who require a quieter typing environment. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer an accented tactile experience. This means that these switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They have a medium tactile feel that is often described as not being scratchy. Additionally, these switches are known for their snappy and responsive typing experience. The longer or dual-staged springs used in these switches contribute to their lively and enjoyable feel. Furthermore, the Blue Lotus switches are described as stepped switches, which means that they provide a mild level of pre-travel or post-travel, adding to the overall tactile experience.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are renowned for their silky smooth typing feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They are often described as polished switches, indicating a refined finish that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used in the switches or factory lubing. With the Silent Ink Black switches, you can expect reduced friction and a sleek key travel experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel in their tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant visual appeal with detachable light columns. They provide a bassy sound profile, an accented and snappy tactile feel, and a stepped switch experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer a cushion-like bottom-out feel, minimal audio feedback, and a silky smooth typing experience with a polished finish. Both switches cater to specific preferences and typing environments. Depending on individual preferences, users can achieve similar results with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience with a slightly reduced travel distance, making them snappy and responsive. Additionally, they offer a bassy sound profile, which adds depth and richness to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are the way to go. These switches provide a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, perfect for environments where noise reduction is important. They also offer a silky smooth typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and effortless key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're after.
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