Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it becomes clear that each has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is known for its lightning-fast actuation and feather-light touch, offering unparalleled smoothness and a thocky sound. The Blue Lotus also features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visual appeal to its performance. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus features a unique combination of a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing gives the switch a premium and unique feel, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing. Both the top and bottom housings of the Smoothie Silver contribute to creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
While the Durock Blue Lotus utilizes a combination of Modified PC & UPE Blend and nylon for its housing materials, the Gateron Smoothie Silver opts for a consistent POM material for both its top and bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Lotus elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM housings of the Smoothie Silver contribute to a more muted sound profile that is on the deeper side. Despite their different material choices, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics.
In terms of typing experience, the use of different housing materials in the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver results in varying sound profiles and tactile feedback. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottoming-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The Blue Lotus's combination of Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a mix of premium feel and fuller sound, while the Smoothie Silver's consistent POM housings deliver a more pleasing and deep sound profile. Overall, both switches showcase how housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Lotus is heavier in both aspects. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is not specified. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice due to its heavier forces. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer periods of use, the Smoothie Silver may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Smoothie Silver being slightly shorter than the Blue Lotus. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results from both in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile switch with a pronounced tactile feel and swift responsiveness, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, on the other hand, offers a unique sound profile with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch for lightning-fast actuation. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus provides a bassy sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, offering a medium tactile experience with responsiveness, while the feel of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you're looking for a keyboard switch that delivers a satisfying and tactile typing experience with a touch of visual flair, the Durock Blue Lotus is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom out force, snappy response, and vibrant RGB illumination make it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile switch with a bit of flair. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightning-fast actuation with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is the perfect option. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Smoothie Silver comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile. Choose the Blue Lotus for tactile enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of performance and aesthetics, and opt for the Smoothie Silver for those who prioritize speed, smoothness, and a quiet typing experience.
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