Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Type A stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus is praised for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A is known for its factory lubing techniques and medium-weight feel, appealing to users who prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own distinctive sound signatures and design features, such as the detachable light column of the Blue Lotus and the deeper sound spectrum of the Type A. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Type A both feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, the top housing material of the Durock Blue Lotus differs from the Gateron Type A, as the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend. This unique material gives the Blue Lotus switch a premium feel and may impact the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the Type A switch features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The difference in top housing material highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing in determining the overall typing experience of a switch.
Overall, while both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Type A switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, the use of different top housing materials sets them apart in terms of feel and sound. The Blue Lotus with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium typing experience, while the Type A's nylon top housing contributes to a deep and full sound profile. Despite these differences, the switches ultimately provide similar results in terms of typing performance and sound characteristics due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch are heavier than those of the Gateron Type A linear switch. The Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Type A only needs 50 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, classifying it as medium-light. When it comes to weight, some may prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Type A linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers. On the other hand, the Type A switch provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch delivers a more neutral sound signature with a subdued quality, offering a dampened and subtle sound when compared to most switches. Depending on personal preferences and setup, both switches can provide satisfactory auditory feedback, with the Blue Lotus offering a deeper tone and the Type A delivering a more neutral and subdued sound.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Lotus tactile switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The snappiness of the switch enhances responsiveness, making typing feel more alive. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Type A linear switch is not available. However, based on the described characteristics of the Blue Lotus, it can be expected that the Type A linear switch may offer a smoother and consistent linear typing experience without much tactile feedback.
Considering all available information, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is favored for its intense tactile feel, responsive nature, and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile, moderate actuation force, and latest factory lubing techniques. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience. It's important to note that personal experimentation and customization with different keycaps and keyboards can also significantly impact the overall feel and sound of these switches, allowing for a tailored typing experience based on user preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, accented feel, then the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are designed for those who appreciate a tactile bump and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral, subdued sound profile, then the Gateron Type A switches would be more suitable for you. These switches are characterized by a sound signature leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum, making them a versatile option for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision between the Blue Lotus and Type A will depend on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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