Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to tactile switches for mechanical keyboards, two standout options are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. The Durock Blue Lotus is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback and rapid responsiveness, featuring a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm which caters to users who appreciate a defined tactile experience. Additionally, the detachable light column enhances its visual allure, allowing for vibrant RGB illumination that can complement any setup. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB boasts a rich "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a quieter topping out, creating an elegant auditory profile paired with a sharp tactile bump that elevates the typing experience. While the Blue Lotus appeals to those seeking snappy and visually striking feedback, the U4Tx RGB is for users who prefer a more refined sound and luxuriously smooth typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, we find both similarities and key differences that contribute to their overall performance and typing experience. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, offering a unique and premium tactile feel reminiscent of other high-end switches like the Durock Black Lotus. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This material boasts a softness that enhances the overall sound profile while typing. While both switches aim to deliver an elevated tactile experience, the Durock’s modified PC contributes a potentially firmer feel compared to the softer, more muted touch of the Gazzew blend.

Turning to the bottom housing, both switches employ materials that emphasize acoustic properties, yet they take different approaches. The Blue Lotus is engineered with a nylon bottom housing which is a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, allowing for a rounder sound profile upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing also uses the proprietary Gazzew blend, which incorporates similar soft qualities for sound dampening. With both switches focusing on softer materials for the bottom housing, users can expect a rich and deep sound profile from both, even if the specific qualities of the plastics differ.

In summary, while the Durock Blue Lotus and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches diverge in their top housing materials—with the former leveraging a modified PC and UPE blend and the latter employing a proprietary "boba plastic"—they both share an emphasis on sound quality with their nylon and Gazzew blend bottom housings, respectively. This similarity in bottom materials enhances the auditory experience of both switches, allowing users to achieve comparable results in sound quality. Ultimately, the tactile feel and overall character of each switch will reflect the specific attributes of their top housing materials, resulting in unique experiences that cater to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating that both switches provide a similar level of resistance when pressed all the way down. However, the actuation force differs significantly between the two: the Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the U4Tx RGB's actuation force is unknown. This makes the Blue Lotus the lighter option in terms of the required force to register a keystroke, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience ideal for extended use. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its unspecified actuation force, may be perceived as less direct in feel, leaving potential users curious about how it compares to the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a lighter feel for comfort during long typing sessions or a more robust typing experience typically associated with heavier forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Blue Lotus offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Lotus provides a more pronounced actuation, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke feel. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's shorter travel distance allows for quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prioritize speed. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Blue Lotus is the longer option, while the U4Tx RGB is the shorter one. Overall, selecting between these two will depend on personal preference for either a more substantial feel or a snappier response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a deep and bassy sound profile that enriches the typing experience, producing a lower frequency that resonates well with users who favor a more robust auditory feedback. This results in a hearty thump when the key bottoms out, which can be satisfying for many typists. While there’s no specific sound description available for the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, the overall sound quality is likely to be distinct given their design focus, particularly as they are known for contributing to a refined auditory experience with a sharp tactile bump. Users familiar with both switches can expect to have different sound profiles that will depend significantly on factors like the keyboard assembly and keycap choice.

In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches stand out with a tactile design characterized as accented and snappy. The medium tactile feedback provides a solid sense of engagement without being overly intense, allowing for a responsive typing experience thanks to a slightly reduced actuation travel of 3.7mm. The stepped tactile nature of these switches gives a sense of progression in the keystroke, enhancing typing precision. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are unspecified. As a result, while both switches are tactile, the uniquely designed feel of the U4Tx may present an alternative experience, but without concrete descriptors, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison.

In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus and Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches each offer distinct characteristics, especially in terms of sound profile and nuances of feel, the Blue Lotus is notable for its deep, bassy sound and responsive tactile feedback. With the U4Tx lacking detailed descriptions in both sound and feel, it's challenging to definitively compare without more information. However, those seeking a tactile experience with rich auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus, while the U4Tx RGB might appeal to individuals prioritizing an alternative tactile sensation. Ultimately, your experience will be influenced by your keyboard's overall construction and the type of keycaps used, providing room for customization regardless of the switch choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel, sound profile, and visual aesthetics. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback that strikes a balance between responsiveness and overall typing comfort, the Durock Blue Lotus might be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy actuation force, slightly reduced travel distance, and bassy sound provide an engaging experience that is ideal for fast typists and gamers alike who enjoy a blend of performance and tactile pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter experience without sacrificing the depth of sound and tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is an excellent choice. Its refined "thock" sound profile and luxurious typing experience cater to those who seek a more muted yet satisfying keystroke. Moreover, with their captivating RGB features, both switches add visual pop to your setup. Ultimately, your ideal switch will depend on whether you're looking for a bold tactile sensation and a vibrant sound with the Blue Lotus or a smoother, stealthier experience with the U4Tx RGB.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more