Durock Blue Lotus vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer distinct advantages for different types of users. The Blue Lotus switches by Durock are applauded for their 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 keystroke. Additionally, their detachable light column offers vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches from Everglide offer a unique sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. These switches also feature a distinct gliding feel due to their POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. The combination of a very short travel distance and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in terms of their composition. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) Blend top housing, while the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus creates a unique and premium feel, providing a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow produces an incredibly pleasing and deeper sound profile. While both switches offer distinct qualities, the Blue Lotus emphasizes a premium feel, whereas the Sunset Yellow emphasizes a more muted yet satisfying sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Blue Lotus employs nylon, whereas the Sunset Yellow utilizes POM. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Lotus contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow complements its POM top housing by offering a similar deep sound profile. Both switches provide a more muted and pleasant acoustic experience.
Considering the impact of the bottom and top housing on the overall switch performance, it becomes evident that each component plays a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as material composition and sound absorption, primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing, whether it is a modified PC and UPE Blend or POM, has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the Durock Blue Lotus and Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their housing materials, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience, leveraging their unique housing materials to provide distinct tactile and acoustic experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch would be the more suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a smoother and easier keystroke registry, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switch offers a more robust and substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, providing a satisfying tactile response.
Considering the weight, the Blue Lotus switch is the heavier option due to its higher forces, while the Sunset Yellow switch is comparatively lighter. Keyboard users seeking a lightweight switch for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions may prefer the Sunset Yellow, as it permits longer periods of comfortable usage. On the other hand, those desiring a more pronounced tactile feedback and a heavier typing sensation may opt for the Blue Lotus.
Although the actuation force and bottom out force of the Blue Lotus and the Sunset Yellow differ, individuals seeking similar results can still achieve them. By selecting the Blue Lotus switch with its medium-heavy forces, one may attain a comparable typing experience to the Sunset Yellow switch. Likewise, choosing the Sunset Yellow switch can provide a similar feel to the Blue Lotus switch, albeit with a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of the most traditional travel distance, which is around 4.0 mm, both switches fall somewhat below this mark. However, it is worth noting that recent trends have seen a preference for shorter travel distances in order to achieve faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the more suitable option. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press experience may find the Blue Lotus with its longer travel distance more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches share a bassy profile. This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the Sunset Yellow switch also has a thocky sound characteristic. A thocky switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Snappy switches are super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Stepped switches have a two-stage feeling with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a milder tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished. Creamy switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to factory lubrication or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch feels silky and effortless, with keys effortlessly melting into each keystroke. Frictionless switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Polished switches have a refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Blue Lotus and Sunset Yellow switches have different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, you can expect similar results in certain aspects. Both switches offer a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, while the Blue Lotus switch provides an accented, snappy, and stepped tactile experience, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, users can enjoy a marked tactile feel with the Blue Lotus switch or indulge in a smooth and buttery typing experience with the Sunset Yellow switch. Ultimately, both switches prioritize performance and deliver an enjoyable keyboarding experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is a great choice. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and provides a snappy and accented typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches deliver a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them perfect for those who enjoy a tactile feel during typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a rich and bassy sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch would be a suitable option. With a medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams, these Creamsicle-colored switches offer a captivating sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience.
In terms of sound, both switches offer a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the Sunset Yellow switch also offers a thocky sound, which adds to the satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switch provides an accented and snappy typing experience. It is not hypertactile, yet it is not scratchy, offering a medium level of tactility. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. It feels smooth and refined, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction during key presses.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches will depend on your preference for tactile feel, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider factors such as bottom out force, RGB illumination, and the specific sensations described to make an informed decision.
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