Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus to the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who value a marked tactile feel while also enjoying vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel, along with a neutral sound signature, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus features a unique combination of a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This combination provides a premium feel with a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have nylon bottom housings, which means they offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to the Durock Blue Lotus' modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. While the Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound when typing. On the other hand, both switches have nylon bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile while typing. Overall, the choice of top housing material significantly impacts the sound profile of each switch, with the Thunder Shadow favoring a sharper tone and the Blue Lotus emphasizing a premium feel.
In terms of key feel, the Durock Blue Lotus emphasizes the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow highlights the top housing's influence on the sound upon key release. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials. Despite the differences in top housing material, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and richness to the sound profile when typing on either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a premium feel with the Blue Lotus or a sharper sound profile with the Thunder Shadow.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that there are some differences to consider. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Thunder Shadow, whose actuation force remains unknown. The Thunder Shadow, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Blue Lotus. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for users. The difference in weight between the two switches may appeal to different preferences among typists and gamers. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Thunder Shadow for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Blue Lotus with its 3.7 mm travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a slightly shallower key press may lean towards the Thunder Shadow with its 3.5 mm travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance and are suitable for users looking for a responsive 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch has a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of uses due to its moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. Depending on the board and keycaps used, the sound of each switch may vary slightly.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a tactile experience that is both prominent and responsive. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing sensation, with the Blue Lotus focusing on a blend of tactile intensity and responsiveness, while the Thunder Shadow aims for a balanced tactile experience.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus excels in providing a snappy and visually appealing tactile experience, while the Thunder Shadow focuses on a balanced tactile feel with a neutral sound signature. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper, bassy sound or a more neutral sound profile, along with your preference for a more accented or invigorating tactile feel, both switches have something to offer to suit your individual typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience when paired with the right combination of components.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, consider your preference for tactile intensity and responsiveness. If you enjoy a marked tactile feel with a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile bump with a harmonious balance and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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