Durock Blue Lotus vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct advantages are the Durock Blue Lotus and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are best known for their combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a snappy and marked tactile feel, making them perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column that offers vibrant and captivating RGB illumination, adding a visual appeal to their performance. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are ideal for users seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who spend extended periods typing. These switches possess a material blend that delivers a crisp sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Yanyu switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the SP-Star Yanyu switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches have unique blends of materials for their top housing. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend, which gives it a premium and unique feel. Similarly, the Yanyu switch utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which offers a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. While both blends provide a distinct character to the switches, the specific qualities of each blend may vary.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus uses nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Yanyu switch employs a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This unique mixture also contributes to a pleasant sound profile but tends to be more on the brighter side. Thus, their bottom housings bring different tonal qualities to the switches.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel when bottoming out the key, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Therefore, the choice of housing materials influences not only the overall sound profile but also the tactile feedback of the switches. While the Blue Lotus and Yanyu may have different combinations of housing materials, they both offer unique and premium typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the specific actuation force of the Yanyu switch is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 43 grams, which is considered light.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it allows for greater endurance. These individuals may find the Yanyu switch favorable due to its lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and desire a stronger push feel may lean towards the Blue Lotus switch, with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces.
It is worth mentioning that if the actuation forces of the switches were the same, users would likely achieve similar results in terms of typing experience. However, in the case of the Blue Lotus and Yanyu switches, there is a distinct difference in weights. The Blue Lotus switch is noticeably heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Yanyu switch. These differences in force requirements between the two switches allow users to choose according to their personal preferences, whether they prioritize a lighter feel or a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance than the Blue Lotus. The traditional travel distance for switches is typically around 4.0 mm, so both of these switches deviate slightly from the norm. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus may be preferable as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, if you prefer switches that provide a deeper and more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Yanyu may be more satisfying. It ultimately depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we see that the Blue Lotus has a bassy sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a more neutral sound profile, which is characterized by a moderate sound and actuation force requirement. Additionally, the Yanyu is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. An accented switch provides a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The snappiness of the Blue Lotus is attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, which enhances the typing experience by making it feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped design of the switch means that there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving the keystroke a mild feel.
On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a mild and feathery feel. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle ground. The feathery characteristic of the Yanyu switch means that it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal exertion from the fingers, reducing finger fatigue. The Yanyu switch is also described as having a subtle resistance and a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Based on the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Lotus is known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. The Yanyu, on the other hand, offers a more delicate typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions. While the Blue Lotus has a bassy sound profile, the Yanyu has a neutral sound profile with thocky characteristics. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities, and your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus would be an ideal choice for you. These switches are known for their snappiness and swift responsiveness, thanks to their slightly reduced travel distance. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or plan on typing for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable. With a light bottom out force and a material blend that creates a crisp sound profile, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable typing feel. Moreover, the Yanyu switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Overall, if you value an accented and snappy tactile feel, go for the Blue Lotus, but if you prefer a mild and feathery switch with a polished finish, the Yanyu is the way to go.
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