Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Durock offers two exceptional options: the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock White Lotus. The Blue Lotus switches are known for their impressive blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who crave a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind. These switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making them ideal for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Like their Blue Lotus counterparts, the White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column for stunning RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Durock White Lotus share many similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches feature a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives them a unique and premium feel. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Blue or White Lotus, you can expect a similar overall experience when typing on these switches. The top housing material will contribute to the sound when letting go of a key, providing a consistent auditory experience between the two.
They share the same bottom housing material as well. The Blue Lotus and White Lotus both use a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This indicates that the bottom housing material of both switches brings similar qualities, resulting in a comparable bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the White Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Lotus has a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the White Lotus with a lighter force of 56 grams.
The difference in weight between these two switches is worth considering for various reasons. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus might be the better choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out force allow for faster and more effortless keystrokes. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Blue Lotus, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, offers a more substantial push feel. This can provide a satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger and more pronounced feedback from their keyboard switches.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, it's important to note that both fall within the medium range. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, users are likely to achieve similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock White Lotus will depend on personal preference and the desired level of typing feedback and force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances for switches. The 4 mm distance is considered to be the most common and traditional, while a 3 mm distance is considered to be more shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Blue Lotus switch would be a suitable choice with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of key press depth.
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 Durock White 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 White Lotus for $4.57.
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 tactile switch is best described as bassy. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. Low-pitched switches generally have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. As for neutral switches, they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch can be described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them suitable for those who prefer a prominent tactile feel. Snappy switches are highly responsive and provide a typing experience that feels lively, often achieved through the use of longer or dual-staged springs. Stepped switches offer a mild level of tactility and can be felt during both pre-travel and post-travel, providing a more subtle tactile experience compared to switches with a single large bump.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of these switches make them approachable to most typists, as they strike a safe middle ground in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the subtle resistance of these switches ensures a light typing feel, and their sound signature is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a marked tactile feel with a snappy and accented typing experience, accompanied by a bassy sound profile. It is ideal for those who enjoy a more intense tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides a delicate balance of tactile feedback that is easy to press, with a mild and subtle experience. The sound of these switches is low-pitched and neutral, making them suitable for a wide range of typists. Both switches feature removable light columns for captivating RGB lighting effects, adding visual appeal to your keyboard setup. With either switch, you can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and slightly reduced travel distance, these switches deliver a snappy typing experience. Additionally, they come with a detachable light column for captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate and balanced tactile experience, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, these switches offer a light and easy-to-press feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. They also feature a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow sound with a medium tactile feel, the White Lotus is the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and richer bass sound with a more prominent tactile feel, the Blue Lotus is the way to go. Consider your typing style and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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