Durock Blue Lotus vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

Durock Blue Lotus and TKC Tangerine are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinctive qualities for users seeking different typing experiences. The Blue Lotus switch, known for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, delivers a marked tactile feel that enthusiasts will appreciate. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a snappy keystroke that enhances typing accuracy and speed. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for captivating RGB illumination, combining performance with visual appeal. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch stands out with its incredibly smooth feel, making each keystroke a pleasure to type. This smoothness can be attributed to the uncommon UHWMPE housings, which contribute to a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Moreover, the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched clack while typing, adding a unique auditory element to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

TKC Tangerine Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in several ways. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE top housing. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend housing provides a unique and premium feel, suggesting a higher level of durability and a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing is described as having a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. This indicates that the Tangerine switch may have a more distinct and lively sound compared to the Blue Lotus.

The contrast in housing materials extends to the bottom housings as well. The Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, also described as having a bright sound signature. This suggests that the Tangerine switch may produce a more vibrant and resonant sound, offering a different auditory experience from the Blue Lotus.

Although the housing materials differ between the Blue Lotus and the Tangerine, it is important to note that they both aim to provide unique and desirable typing experiences. While the Blue Lotus combines a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing with a nylon bottom housing, the Tangerine pairs a UHWMPE top housing with a UHWMPE bottom housing. Both switches prioritize delivering satisfying and distinct sounds when typing. Therefore, while the materials may differ, users can expect similar levels of premium feel and satisfying sound from both the Blue Lotus and the Tangerine switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tangerine may be the better option as its actuation force is unknown but still has a decent bottom out force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing, adding a sense of satisfaction to their keystrokes.

It is important to note that while the actuation force of the Tangerine is unknown, its bottom out force is quite close to the Blue Lotus. This means that, despite the difference in switch type (tactile vs. linear), users can expect similar results when bottoming out during typing.

In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience with its 55 gram actuation force and 65 gram bottom out force. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine linear switch provides a medium typing experience, with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches have their merits, with the Blue Lotus offering a heavier push feel and the Tangerine being potentially lighter, making the choice ultimately dependent on the individual's preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have slightly shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, which makes them suitable for those seeking faster response times. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for their quick reactions. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press, the TKC Tangerine switch with its longer travel distance may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired level of responsiveness. In either case, both switches offer a distinct feel and experience when pressed, ensuring satisfying key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches produce a high-pitched clack when typing on them, giving a sharp and crisp sound. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you prefer a deeper and more bassy sound, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice. Conversely, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Tangerine switches would be more suitable.

In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accentuated, snappy, and stepped. They offer a medium level of tactile feedback, providing a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The snappiness of these switches is due to their slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped design of the Blue Lotus switches adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. They offer an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The buttery feel implies a seamless and uniform typing sensation, while the polished finish results in a sleek and refined typing experience. It's important to note that these subjective qualities can greatly enhance your typing experience and are often appreciated by enthusiasts.

Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their marked tactile feel, snappy and accentuated feedback, and bassy sound profile. They also feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches are praised for their smooth feel, high-pitched sound, and use of UHWMPE housings for a unique typing experience. Both switches offer enjoyable qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a tactile switch with a deeper sound and slightly reduced travel, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great option. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switches would be a suitable choice. Either way, you can expect similar levels of satisfaction and performance from either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. With its slightly reduced travel distance and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a snappy and responsive typing experience. Additionally, they have a bassy sound profile that adds depth and richness to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides an incredibly smooth typing experience, the TKC Tangerine would be the ideal option. With a bottom-out force of 62 grams and UHWMPE housings, these switches offer a frictionless and buttery typing sensation. They produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. Overall, both switches have their unique strengths and cater to different preferences. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and RGB illumination (Blue Lotus) or smoothness and linear action (Tangerine).

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more