Durock Blue Lotus vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3. The Blue Lotus switch by Durock is praised for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a marked tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balanced typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them stand out, providing a different typing experience for users. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switch. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which provides a premium feel and potentially a unique sound profile. In contrast, the Sky V3 uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly well-suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches offer distinct characteristics in their top housings, the choice between a modified blend and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics and sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Sky V3 opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds a touch of softness to typing experience. Despite utilizing the same housing material for the bottom, the switches may still offer slightly different typing experiences based on how the material interacts with the overall switch design.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Sky V3 offer users a variety of options to customize their typing experience. While the Blue Lotus combines a modified blend and nylon housing for a unique feel and sound profile, the Sky V3 opts for polycarbonate and nylon for a crisper and potentially sharper sound. Whether you prefer the premium feel of a modified blend or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of aesthetics and sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for housing materials and the overall typing experience desired.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Sky V3's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Blue Lotus slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Sky V3, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Blue Lotus due to its higher actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sky V3 boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 0.3 mm difference between the two may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience for individuals who prefer either a shorter or longer travel distance. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may lean towards the Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may find the Sky V3 more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This can add a satisfying auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is known for its neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Sky V3's subdued sound creates a more subtle and muted typing experience, which can be beneficial in quieter environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired auditory feedback during typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, offering a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The snappiness of the Blue Lotus also contributes to a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch provides a mild typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a gentler feel during keystrokes. The Sky V3's qualities all fall within a comfortable middle-ground zone, making it a versatile option for different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactility or a softer touch while typing.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Dareu Sky V3 switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus stands out with its deep bassy sound profile and prominent tactility, while the Sky V3 excels in its neutral sound signature and mild feel. Both switches have their strengths and will appeal to different users based on their preferences for typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches are crafted with quality materials and design, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience overall. Whether you opt for the Blue Lotus or the Sky V3, you can expect a reliable and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a more intense tactile feel with a snappy response and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound signature and a more subdued typing experience that is comfortable and precise, the Sky V3 could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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