Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4T. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock offer a unique combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feel that enthusiasts will appreciate. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches embody a different kind of experience. They offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness, resulting in a satisfying bassy "thock" sound profile. Paired with a strong tactile feedback, every keystroke with the U4Ts provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing, 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4T both offer unique and premium housing materials that contribute to their exceptional sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a distinct and luxurious feel. Similarly, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which enhances the switch's sound by delivering a rich and deep tone. While both switches have different housing materials, they provide similar results in terms of their sound quality, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing offers a classic switch material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more subdued sound. Likewise, the U4T employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also utilizes the "boba plastic" material. This material's softness contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, mirroring the effects of the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Lotus. Both switches offer housing materials that enhance sound quality and create a distinct auditory experience.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch's performance, it becomes evident that they play different roles. The bottom housing has a more prominent influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the way the switch responds when pressed down. In contrast, the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Blue Lotus and the U4T offer exceptional sound profiles, thanks to their carefully chosen housing materials. Whether it's the deep and fuller tone created by the nylon bottom housing or the rich sound achieved through the "boba plastic" blend, both switches guarantee an immersive and delightful typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the U4T's actuation force is unavailable. Both switches have a medium heaviness in terms of bottom out force, with the Blue Lotus having a bottom out force of 65 grams and the U4T having a bottom out force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Lotus may be the better option as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force can allow for longer typing periods, making it suitable for extended work sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel when typing, the U4T's medium bottom out force may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Its actuation force is not specified, but if it is similar to the Blue Lotus, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Considering weight is important as it influences the user's individual preference and typing style. The Blue Lotus is medium-heaviness overall, with a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the U4T. However, without knowing the exact actuation force of the U4T, it is difficult to determine the overall weight difference between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's desired typing experience - whether they prioritize a lighter or stronger push feel while typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Lotus being a bit shallower than the U4T. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prioritize faster response times, the Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, if you prefer switches with a more substantial depth, the U4T with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches will provide a tactile experience, but the Blue Lotus will offer a slightly shorter travel distance while the U4T will provide a slightly longer one.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4T switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile. The Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound that is characterized by a lower frequency range, while the U4T switches offer a bassy sound with a thocky element. The thocky sound of the U4T switches adds a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" to each key press and release. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches offer an accented tactile experience. This means that they provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They are also described as snappy switches, which means they are highly responsive and make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a stepped feel, which means that they have a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches provide a sharp tactile experience. They have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and can be distinctly felt with each key press. This sharp tactile feedback adds to the overall satisfaction of typing on the U4T switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gazzew U4T switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches provide a snappy and accented tactile experience, while the U4T switches offer a sharp tactile feedback. Both switches have a bassy sound profile, but the U4T switches also have a thocky element. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve a similar level of satisfaction. Remember to consider other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps to further tailor your experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice. With their slightly reduced travel and detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, they offer a unique combination of performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, if you value a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the U4T switches are ideal. Their bassy thock sound profile and assertive tactile feedback ensure that every keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Both switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile, and while the Blue Lotus has an accented, snappy, and stepped feel, the U4T is known for its sharp and prominent tactile bump. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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