Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Blue Lotus switches are celebrated for their pronounced tactile feedback and quick responsiveness, featuring a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, which makes each keystroke feel snappier and more engaging. This tactile intensity is further enhanced by the detachable light column, allowing for stunning RGB illumination that not only elevates performance but also adds a striking visual element to any setup. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a more subtle tactile sensation, making them an excellent choice for those who favor a balanced sound profile and a gentler typing experience. While the Blue Lotus is perfect for users seeking a highly tactile and visually appealing option, the Weightlessness appeals to those who appreciate a more nuanced feel with less pronounced feedback. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Weightlessness, there are notable differences in their top housings but similarities in the bottom housings. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, offering a unique and premium feel that is characteristic of high-end switches. This modified composition is designed to enhance the tactile experience, providing a crisp and responsive feedback when typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness opts for a traditional nylon top housing, which is lauded for its classic properties and its ability to produce a fuller, deeper sound profile. While both housings ultimately affect the switch's performance, the use of a modified PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus could suggest a focus on a different tactile sensation compared to the softer qualities of the nylon in the Weightlessness.
On the other hand, both switches share the same housing material for their bottom components—nylon. This commonality establishes a fundamental similarity, as both switches utilize nylon to provide a deeper and rounder sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon used in both models is softer, which contributes to sound absorption and a muted acoustics experience, resulting in a more pleasant typing sound. The bottom housing significantly influences the switch's feedback during the bottom-out action, leading to a shared characteristic of mellower auditory feedback when the key is pressed down.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Weightlessness diverge in material and characteristics, their common use of nylon for the bottom housings leads to a similar sound profile in bottoming out. Users can expect that the press action and feel will differ based on the top housing materials—where the modified PC of the Blue Lotus promotes a more refined tactile experience, the nylon of the Weightlessness offers a more traditional feel. However, the shared nylon bottom enhances the overall experience with a consistent and muted sound, establishing a baseline for how both switches perform in action, regardless of their top housing differences.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Weightlessness features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to press down, though it lacks a specified bottom out force. This could suggest a more forgiving experience when bottoming out, depending on personal preference and typing style. Consequently, for users who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Gateron Weightlessness may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, the Durock Blue Lotus, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, will provide a more substantial, tactile feedback, suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, if one seeks a lighter touch while typing, the Weightlessness stands out, while the Blue Lotus offers a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more substantial feel when pressed, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice due to its longer travel. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing, especially for gaming scenarios where rapid actions are crucial. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences based on their travel distances—3.7 mm for Blue Lotus versus 3.4 mm for Weightlessness.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches deliver a bassy auditory experience that resonates with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This sound profile contributes to an immersive typing feel, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the overall experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have a specified sound character listed, which leaves an unknown quality regarding their acoustic presentation. The sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by external elements such as the keyboard design and the material of the keycaps, so users may need to evaluate how the Weightlessness switches perform in various setups.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches stand out with their accented and snappy characteristics, providing a pronounced tactile feedback that is both engaging and responsive. The slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7mm enhances the quickness of key presses while maintaining a satisfying tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The stepped nature of the switch adds complexity to the typing experience, allowing for a nuanced sensation during both pre-travel and post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have a defined tactile feel listed, making it difficult to compare their tactile engagement directly. Users may experience unpredictability with the Weightlessness in terms of how pronounced or subtle the tactile feedback may be.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches clearly exhibit a robust sound profile and a distinct tactile feel that many users may find highly appealing, particularly those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches lack clarity on sound and feel, leaving users uncertain about the tactile engagement they provide. For those seeking a balance of sensory feedback, the Blue Lotus is a compelling choice, whereas those curious about the Weightlessness will need to assess their preferences firsthand due to the unknown qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Weightlessness switches boils down to your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a quick response, the Blue Lotus is the clear winner. Its medium-heavy resistance and snappy action, coupled with a prominent sound profile, make it perfect for typists who enjoy an engaging experience and appreciate the deep, bassy sound during keystrokes. This switch is also ideal if you are into vibrant RGB aesthetics, thanks to its detachable light column. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more understated typing experience with subtle tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness might be the better choice for you. While it lacks the bottom-out force specification, it's designed for those who appreciate a mild tactile feel and a more balanced sound profile, which can enhance a quieter environment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how much tactile engagement and auditory feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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