Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock T1. The Blue Lotus switch is renowned for its impressive blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a snappy and satisfying tactile feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come equipped with a detachable light column for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the T1 switch offers a super comfortable typing experience, with a medium bump when pressing down that reminds users of rain falling on a window. The sound produced by the T1 switch is also pleasing and soothing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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 Durock T1 differ in terms of their top and bottom housing composition. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the T1 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they both offer a clear and resonant sound profile. If you are looking for a switch with RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the T1 makes it a better option due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the T1 incorporate nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound. This material brings these qualities to both switches, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile.
It is important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each material will be split between the two parts. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when you let go of a key. Both the Blue Lotus and the T1 excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, with the bottom housing contributing to a deep and full sound, and the top housing adding unique qualities to the sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Blue Lotus is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 55 grams, while the T1's actuation force is not available. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Blue Lotus being 65 grams and the T1 being 67 grams. This means that the T1 might provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Blue Lotus.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Lotus would be a suitable choice, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This switch would be ideal for individuals who frequently type for long periods, such as office workers or avid gamers. On the other hand, the T1 switch would be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel during typing. The slightly heavier bottom out force of the T1 provides a satisfying tactile experience for users seeking a bit more resistance.
Although the actuation force of the T1 switch is not mentioned, if it happens to be similar to the 55 grams of the Blue Lotus, their actuation forces would be comparable. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes for both switches.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience, with the Blue Lotus providing a lighter touch and the T1 offering a slightly heavier push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it can be observed that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers aiming for faster response times. In this case, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Blue Lotus with its slightly shorter travel distance would be the preferable option. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a greater sense of depth, the T1 with its marginally longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific user's 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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that the sound has a deeper and richer tone, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switches have a low-pitched sound profile, giving them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the T1 switches are described as having a neutral sound, meaning that they have a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Lotus and T1 switches share similar characteristics. They are both described as accented switches, which means they provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This makes them a good choice for those looking for a medium tactile experience. Additionally, both switches are described as stepped switches, which means they feel like they have two stages of tactility. This creates a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a continuous bump throughout the keystroke. It allows you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, enhancing the typing experience. Lastly, the Blue Lotus switches are also described as snappy, meaning they are highly responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and T1 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and have similar qualities in terms of feel. The Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound profile with a slightly reduced travel distance, making them ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. They also have a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the T1 switches have a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches have accented and stepped feels, providing a medium level of tactility with some pre-travel and post-travel. Overall, whether you choose the Blue Lotus or T1 switches, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on the window, the Durock T1 tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams and a stepped feel, these switches provide a more mild tactile experience with pre-travel and/or post-travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and T1 switches depends on your preference for tactile intensity, responsiveness, and sound profile.
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