Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Type S. The Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, offering a marked tactile feel with its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, a linear switch, features a weightier keystroke with a 65g bottom-out, along with a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience. While the Blue Lotus is accented, bassy, snappy, and stepped, the Type S is characterized as neutral and subdued. Both switches have their own unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus utilizes a unique Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a premium feel that sets it apart from other switches. In contrast, the Gateron Type S features a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Both materials bring different qualities to the switches, with the Blue Lotus emphasizing a premium feel, while the Type S focuses on sound quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Blue Lotus and the Type S use nylon material. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience for both switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Type S may differ in their top housing material, they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Lotus focusing on a premium feel and the Type S emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, they both have the same actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force requirements with both of these switches. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between a light touch for extended typing sessions and a more substantial push feel for those looking for a bit more resistance. Ultimately, whether a user prefers a lighter or heavier switch will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience they are looking to achieve.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blue Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Type S. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for some users. Both switches fall within a relatively close range of traditional travel distances and should provide similar typing experiences overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and response time.
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 S 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 that provides a deeper and richer acoustic experience during key presses, attributed to its lower frequency range. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch presents a more neutral and subdued sound, offering a moderate sound profile that leans towards a deeper yet more subtle sound signature. When comparing the two, the Blue Lotus will give a more vibrant and bass-heavy typing experience, while the Type S will provide a more neutral and subdued sound that is suitable for various environments.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is noted for its accented and snappy tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is responsive and lively during typing. Additionally, it features a stepped feel with two stages of tactility, offering a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Type S linear switch is currently unavailable. With the Blue Lotus switch, users can expect a tactile and responsive typing experience, while the feel of the Type S switch remains unknown.
In conclusion, when considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a bassy sound profile and an accented, snappy tactile feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback and vibrant sound characteristics. Conversely, the Type S switch presents a more neutral sound and an unknown feel, catering to individuals who prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, then the Blue Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a weightier keystroke and a neutral sound signature, the Gateron Type S could be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound profile, feel, and visual appeal when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
