Durock Blue Lotus vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. These switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying keystroke feedback. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches boast a detachable light column, adding vibrant and captivating RGB illumination to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches prioritize a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a gratifying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring and a balanced spring weight, these switches offer a bouncy and enjoyable feel with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch that suits your unique preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual aesthetics from both switches when it comes to their top housings.

However, the bottom housings distinguish the two switches. The Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Nylon has a higher sound absorption capacity, creating a duller and rounder sound, which can be preferred by some typists seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the qualities of the top housing. This means the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate will be present throughout the switch, maintaining consistency in sound characteristics.

In terms of user experience, the housing materials impact different aspects of typing on these switches. The bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing predominantly influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, individuals who prioritize the specific feel and sound during both the key press and key release may appreciate the distinct qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of these switches.

In summary, while the Durock Blue Lotus and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings diverge with nylon and polycarbonate, respectively. This results in differences in sound characteristics, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound, and the polycarbonate bottom housing contributing to a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches offer a premium feel and are suitable for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their typing setup. The specific housing materials chosen for each switch allow typists to customize their experience based on their preferences for sound and feel during both key press and release actions.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Therefore, the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Lotus may be a suitable option as it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Tourmaline Blue. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as in a workplace or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue might be the preferred choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Overall, both switches provide a similar level of resistance and tactile feedback. Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly, the differences between the two switches are relatively small, and users can expect comparable results from both options. Whether opting for the Blue Lotus or the Tourmaline Blue, individuals should consider their own preferences regarding typing feel and endurance when making a decision.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Blue Lotus' 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Lotus being slightly shallower and the Tourmaline Blue more in line with the average. While gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus for faster response times, some individuals may find it too abrupt. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may be drawn to the longer travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a deeper key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a deep and rich profile with a lower frequency range, giving a bass-like tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have a more neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a medium level of tactility without being overpowering or subtle, giving an accented tactile experience. These switches are also described as snappy, which means they are highly responsive due to their longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a stepped feel, meaning there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. They are also easy-to-press with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users.

Based on the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a marked tactile feel with a snappy and stepped sensation, accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile. Meanwhile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their buttery smooth feel and easy-to-press nature, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. If you are looking for a tactile switch with intense responsiveness and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switches would be a suitable option. Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities, providing options for different preferences and typing styles.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are a typist who values a tactile feel with each keystroke and enjoys a vibrant visual appeal, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a marked tactile intensity and snappy responsiveness, making typing a satisfying and engaging experience. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a mesmerizing RGB illumination to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile paired with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are a worthy contender. With their lengthened single-stage spring and standard spring weight, these switches strike a balance that suits a wide range of users. Moreover, their neutral sound profile makes them suitable for various environments, be it at home or work. Whether you lean towards a medium-heavy tactile switch with captivating visual appeal or a linear switch with a satisfying typing experience, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more