Durock Blue Lotus vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Taro are both tactile switches known for their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are highly regarded for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches deliver a marked tactile feel that is perfect for enthusiasts who crave a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, providing vibrant and glowing RGB illumination for an added visual appeal. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches offer a cozy and subdued typing experience, complemented by a snappy and medium-level of tactility. These switches are known for producing acute and crisp clacking sounds while typing. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped', the Taro switches offer a different tactile experience compared to the Blue Lotus. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is best suited for your preferences.
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Jwick Taro differ in their housing materials, resulting in different characteristics and experiences for users. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel due to its modified PC and UPE blend, which is known for its exceptional quality. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Both the Blue Lotus and Taro share a nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Since nylon is a softer plastic compared to harder variants, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound. This creates a unique auditory experience for users of both switches.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials, the Blue Lotus and Taro showcase a notable difference. The bottom housing in a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the type of plastic used in the bottom housing will play a significant role in the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. By understanding this, users can distinguish how each switch may suit their preferences based on the specific characteristics imparted by the housing materials.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Jwick Taro showcase distinctions in their housing materials that result in diverse typing experiences. While the Blue Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience allows users to make an informed decision based on their preferences and desired auditory and tactile sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Taro is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams, whereas the Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches can be considered medium-heavy in terms of force required.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer periods of typing or for extended gaming sessions. In this aspect, the Blue Lotus may be the preferred choice for those seeking a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Taro, which has a slightly higher bottom out force.
While the actuation force for the Taro is not provided, it can be assumed that it may be similar to the Blue Lotus since both switches fall under the medium-heavy category for bottom out force. Therefore, those who are specifically interested in the actuation force may achieve similar results with either switch.
Ultimately, the preference between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Taro will depend on the individual's typing style and personal preferences. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Blue Lotus may be preferred by some, while others may opt for the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Taro for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch, referring to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, plays a crucial role in the tactile feedback experienced when typing. In this case, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jwick Taro tactile switches have an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm. This similarity guarantees comparable results for users seeking a consistent typing experience. Whether it is the satisfying click of the Blue Lotus or the smooth operation of the Taro, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring that the physical sensation is uniform between the two options. Thus, users can expect to enjoy the same tactile response and responsive feel from both switches, as their travel distances align perfectly.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, which can be characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. However, both switches should provide satisfying auditory feedback, although the Blue Lotus may have a slightly deeper and richer sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is noticeable but not overwhelming or subtle. The snappy nature of the Blue Lotus switches indicates their super responsiveness, which can enhance the typing experience and make it feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped feel of these switches adds some pre-travel or post-travel, giving a mild two-stage tactile experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Blue Lotus, the Taro switches also have a stepped feel, adding some mild pre-travel or post-travel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Jwick Taro switches offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Lotus switches provide a marked tactile feel with a snappy and stepped typing experience, the Taro switches offer a cozy typing sensation with a buttery and stepped feel. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches have a bassy profile, while the Taro switches have a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, regardless of the choice, both switches should provide satisfying feedback and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a switch with a slightly reduced travel and a marked tactile feel, then the Durock Blue Lotus switch is the one for you. These switches deliver a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them perfect for those who enjoy a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and acute clacks, then the Jwick Taro switch is more suitable. These switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. They are versatile switches that can be used at home or work, making them suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feel and sound profile.
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