Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are recognized for their unique blend of tactile intensity and quick responsiveness. With their slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a distinct tactile feel that enthusiasts will appreciate. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and eye-catching RGB illumination. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches are adored for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With their attractive pink and clear housings, these Strawberry switches offer a satisfying low-pitched sound profile, plus a frictionless and silky-smooth experience. The Strawberry switches can be described as buttery and polished in their operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Strawberry differ in terms of their composition. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own distinct qualities, they both offer a clear and resonant sound profile, making them suitable for switches that prioritize sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon material, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of the nylon material also absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials offer their unique qualities, but the nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing accentuates a sharper sound.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus and the Strawberry differ in their specific housing materials, they both share the goal of providing an optimal sound profile. The Blue Lotus combines a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing with a nylon bottom housing, delivering a premium feel and a deeper sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry combines a polycarbonate top housing with a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound. Despite varying materials, both switches prioritize sound quality and offer different options to suit individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that there are some differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams whereas the Strawberry requires 62 grams. Both switches can be considered medium in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight, the Blue Lotus can be seen as slightly heavier than the Strawberry due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry's lighter actuation force could be advantageous for individuals who value longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a heavier feel, the Strawberry offers a slightly lighter typing experience. However, both switches provide comparable results in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have different travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm.
In terms of travel distance, the Blue Lotus has a slightly shorter distance compared to the Strawberry. While 0.3 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can still be noticeable when typing or gaming. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially faster response times, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking a competitive edge.
On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the Strawberry's slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. The additional 0.3 mm can provide a slightly more tactile and satisfying experience, making it a preferred option for those who value a greater sense of depth and feedback in their typing or gaming.
Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and the Strawberry will depend on your personal preference and typing/gaming style. If you prioritize faster response times and a lighter touch, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial and tactile typing or gaming experience, the Strawberry with its slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing to you. Regardless of which switch you choose, both options will provide a distinct and enjoyable 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. These switches have a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, which results in a snappy feel perfect for individuals who enjoy a distinct tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column that provides vibrant and glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches are beloved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. These switches feature attractive pink and clear housings, adding to their aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to sound, the Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy profile with a lower frequency range, creating a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In contrast, the Strawberry switches have a low-pitched tone, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means that they provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switches are super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which makes the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped design gives them a mild feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, the Strawberry switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. They provide an overall smoothness to the typing feel and enhance the typing experience with their seamless and uniform sensation. The polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Blue Lotus switches excel in providing a tactile experience with snappiness and vibrant RGB illumination. They offer a bassy sound profile and an accented, snappy, and stepped feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches impress with their smooth actuation and reliable performance. They have a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, but if you enjoy a tactile feel, you can expect similar results with the Blue Lotus switches, although they lack the smoothness of the Strawberry switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visual appeal to your keyboard.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry switches are worth considering. With a bottom out force of 62 grams and a variety of options like frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, the Strawberries offer a comfortable feel and reliable performance. They also produce a low-pitched sound, characterized by a more mellow tone with bass-heavy notes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and KTT Strawberry switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and visual appeal, the Blue Lotus would be a great option. However, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Strawberry switches would be an excellent fit. Consider your typing style, preferences, and priorities to make the best decision for your ideal mechanical keyboard setup.
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