Durock Blue Lotus vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact both typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Durock Blue Lotus switch is celebrated for its unique combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, providing users with a satisfying tactile feel paired with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This design not only enhances its snappiness but also offers an engaging typing experience, complemented by a detachable light column that brings vibrant RGB illumination to life. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch delivers a more neutral sound signature, embodying the sought-after "thock" that many enthusiasts crave, all while ensuring smooth keystrokes through a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. The Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to those who favor a refined, balanced feel in their typing without losing the satisfying feedback associated with tactile switches. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference: the Blue Lotus for those drawn to marked tactile feedback and striking visuals, or the Sticky Rice (V2) for users looking for a smoother, more subdued experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), it becomes apparent that the two switches employ different types of materials for their top housing. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend that is stated to provide a unique and premium feel, likely combining the resilience of polycarbonate with the lighter touch of UPE. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) uses polycarbonate for its top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributable to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance when the switch is activated. Despite these differences, both switches offer specific auditory qualities that can deliver a great typing experience; with the modified housing of the Blue Lotus, one might still achieve a rich sound similar to the crispness of the Sticky Rice due to its premium blend and design.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon, a classic material well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community. The softness of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, allowing for a richer acoustic experience as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This uniformity in bottom housing material means that while the top sounds may vary due to their specific compositions, the foundational sound produced when the key bottoms out will be consistent in depth and roundness across both switches. Thus, users can expect a complementary sound character from both switches during typing, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.

Ultimately, the distinct pairing of the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend top with a nylon bottom contrasts with the Sticky Rice's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom but supports a cohesive mix of tactile and auditory performance. The top housings impart unique sound profiles, influencing the nature of key release sounds, while the consistent nylon bottom guarantees that the bottoming-out sound remains rich and full. Therefore, if a user seeks a tangible differentiation in the experience, they can opt for either switch while still appreciating the commonality of the nylon bottom housing. Whether one desires the premium texture of the Blue Lotus or the clarity of the Sticky Rice (V2), both options promise to deliver an enjoyable typing experience complemented by the desired auditory responses of their respective designs.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Blue Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. This difference in force means that the Sticky Rice (V2) is more suitable for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the heavier Blue Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, enhancing their tactile feedback. Therefore, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option, while the Blue Lotus offers a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Blue Lotus measures 3.7 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Durock Blue Lotus the longer option, allowing for a more pronounced keypress that some users may find satisfying, especially those who prefer a hearty depth in their switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or those seeking faster response times, as the 3.5 mm travel allows for quicker actuation. Both switches offer distinct choices based on user preferences, so if one prioritizes rapid input, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better fit.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is characterized as bassy, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This bassy quality contributes to an immersive typing environment that may be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)'s sound signature is neutral, hinting at the coveted "thock" that enthusiasts often seek. This sound quality suggests a more refined and precise auditory feedback, which can be preferred by those who value subtlety over pronounced acoustic qualities. However, the specific characteristics of the Sticky Rice are less defined, indicating a potential for personal preference in sound choices based on the user's keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus stands out with its combination of accented, snappy, and stepped tactile characteristics. The accentuated tactility provides a prominent enough feedback to keep touch typists engaged without being overwhelming. Its snappy responsiveness enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel alive and immediate. The stepped nature of the switch adds an interesting dynamic to the keystroke, allowing for a sensation of progression through the travel. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are not specified, leaving it uncertain how it may compare in terms of tactile feedback. Given the smooth keystroke and emphasis on performance, users familiar with a range of switches might speculate about its feel but would benefit from firsthand experience to ascertain its characteristics fully.

In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch showcases a rich sound signature and a well-defined tactile experience that caters to those who prefer prominent feedback, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) presents a smoother and more subtle auditory offering with unknown tactile qualities. Users interested in either switch would likely find effective results depending on their preferences for sound and texture in a mechanical keyboard. The differences in sound and feel suggest that the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, influenced by the desired experience in both auditory and tactile engagement.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a more robust typing experience, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option, offering a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, which allows for a pronounced tactile feedback and a responsive, snappy feel. This makes it particularly suitable for typists who enjoy a tactile punch that aids in typing accuracy and satisfaction. Moreover, if you appreciate a deeper sound profile characterized by rich bass tones, the Blue Lotus will appeal to your auditory senses as well, enhancing your overall typing environment. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and an ultra-smooth keystroke experience, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) with its 50-gram actuation force would be your go-to switch. This switch provides a balanced touch that is perfect for long typing sessions, allowing you to type with speed without exhausting your fingers. Its refined tactile sensation, combined with the subtle thock sound, can create a more immersive typing experience. Thus, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and preferences when deciding between them, as both offer unique benefits that cater to different user needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more