Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Navy. The Blue Lotus switches by Durock are widely recognized for their unique combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel, making them an excellent choice for those who crave a satisfying keystroke experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column that provides captivating RGB illumination, merging performance with visual appeal. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy switches cater to individuals seeking a heavy typing experience, accompanied by the characteristic sound and tactility of a clicky switch. These switches evoke nostalgia for vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, delivering a hearty and distinct typing feel. While these generalities may guide your decision-making process, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Navy switches have both similarities and differences. Both switches have a top housing made of plastic, with the Blue Lotus featuring a modified PC and UPE Blend housing, while the Box Navy utilizes polycarbonate. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, which adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in the top housing material affects the sound produced when releasing a key, making the Box Navy more suitable for those using RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile for a more satisfying typing experience. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both the Blue Lotus and the Box Navy benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housings, providing users with a similar typing experience and sound profile.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent in terms of the impact and feeling during bottoming out. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more significant role in influencing the sound produced. Therefore, while the Blue Lotus and the Box Navy have different top housing materials, their bottom housings share similar characteristics, providing a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires 55 grams, while the Box Navy necessitates 60 grams. While they have a slight variation, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range. This means that users who prefer a slightly lighter actuation force may find the Blue Lotus more suitable, whereas those who desire a slightly heavier feel might lean towards the Box Navy.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a force requirement of 65 grams, whereas the Box Navy exerts a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams. This indicates that the Box Navy offers a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push required for each keystroke. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus provides a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be favored by users who wish to type for extended periods without experiencing significant fatigue.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out force to achieve longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a heavier, more tactile push, opting for switches with heavier forces would be ideal. In this case, the Box Navy would be the heavier option, considering its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh Box Navy depends on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer distinct experiences, with the Blue Lotus providing a slightly lighter touch and the Box Navy delivering a more forceful push. By understanding the differences in actuation force and bottom out force, individuals can select the switch that aligns with their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, we can see that there is a slight difference in their distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Blue Lotus would be the slightly shorter option. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer this switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a slightly longer travel distance, which might provide a more satisfying depth when typing for those who prefer such a feel. It is important to note that both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, if you choose either switch, you can expect to experience a similar level of responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preferences and the typing experience one desires.
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 Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This creates a pleasant auditory experience reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy switches offer a resonant sound profile with a higher-pitched and clean sound. Additionally, the Box Navy switches have a crunchy sound characteristic commonly associated with clicky switches, resembling the crisp and crunchy sound of stepping on autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide an accented tactile experience. This means that they offer a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switches feel snappy and responsive due to their longer or dual-staged springs, which enhances the typing experience. Furthermore, the Blue Lotus switches have a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy switches offer a sharp and invigorating tactile experience. They have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The switches provide pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. It's worth noting that the Box Navy switches are also known for their stiffness, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are ideal for those who prefer a marked tactile feel, with snappy and stepped characteristics that provide a balanced tactile experience. The switches also offer a bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy switches cater to those seeking a heavy typing experience with strong tactility and a sharp, invigorating feel. These switches produce a resonant and crunchy sound, enhancing the auditory aspect of typing. Both switches provide unique qualities and can offer satisfying results depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these medium-heavy switches provide a snappy and swift typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches are accented and stepped, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, they have a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience and love the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches resemble the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. The Box Navy switches are sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and an immersive typing sensation. They have a resonant sound profile, characterized by a higher pitch and a clean, sharp sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different tastes. Whether you prioritize tactile intensity and visual appeal or a heavy and clicky typing experience, these switches have something to offer.
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