Durock Blue Lotus vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Splash Brothers. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch, known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel, making them perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, ensuring vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are linear switches that offer a different typing feel. With a shorter activation and a long pole stem, these "speed" switches provide a smooth and seamless typing experience. Additionally, they have a creamy sound signature that adds to the overall enjoyment of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Jwick Splash Brothers switches both incorporate unique housing materials that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which offers a premium and distinctive feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers opt for a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both switches provide a different tactile experience, they both excel in delivering exceptional sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and Splash Brothers utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. The nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing nylon. Therefore, whether you choose the Blue Lotus or the Splash Brothers, you can expect a satisfying auditory experience that enhances your typing enjoyment.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings differ for each switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound generated when releasing a key. Despite the specific differences in materials, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Jwick Splash Brothers switches are engineered with careful consideration for their housing materials, resulting in excellent overall performance and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown. However, the Blue Lotus is considered to have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Splash Brothers would be a preferable choice, as its lower bottom out force allows for a smoother and potentially faster keystroke. This lighter force may be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, which some users prefer for a stronger push feel. This can result in a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, although it may require slightly more effort.
Overall, the weight of a switch is a crucial consideration, as it influences the typing experience and performance. Choosing a lighter switch like the Splash Brothers allows for extended typing durations, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel can opt for the Blue Lotus with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In either case, both switches offer their respective benefits, ensuring users can find a switch that suits their personal preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a preference for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for faster inputs. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Blue Lotus with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers with its slightly longer 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in deciding which switch is the better option.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound, the Blue Lotus switch from Durock provides a bassey sound profile during key presses. This means that the sound has a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, meaning it provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It also offers a snappy and stepped feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a more mild typing experience, giving a gentle feel with a safe middle-ground approach. It is also snappy and bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the Splash Brothers switch has a subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Blue Lotus switch is known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. It offers a bassey sound profile and provides an accented, snappy, and stepped feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch is described as something special, with a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. It offers a neutral sound profile and provides a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. While the two switches have different characteristics, those seeking a similar level of responsiveness and snappiness can achieve similar results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these medium-heavy switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, adding to their snappiness. The detachable light column also provides vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with visual appeal. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 48 grams, these switches offer a smooth and swift typing experience. The shorter activation combined with the long pole stem contributes to their unique feel. Furthermore, the Splash Brothers switches produce a creamy sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Lotus and Splash Brothers switches depends on your preference for tactile intensity and responsiveness or a lighter and smoother typing experience. Consider your personal typing style and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
