Durock Blue Lotusvs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, both of which fall under the tactile category. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches offer a snappy typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element to your typing setup. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches from Gateron are part of their budget-friendly G Pro series, offering an economical solution without compromising on quality. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully crafted to provide a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser of the G Pro Brown ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Furthermore, the medium-high pitch of these switches delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the joy of your typing sessions. These general pointers highlight why one might choose either the Blue Lotus or G Pro 3.0 Brown switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the keyboard switch that suits your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
$5.60
$4.57 per 10 switches
$2.80
$2.77 per 10 switches
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer different characteristics and experiences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both materials have their advantages, with the Blue Lotus offering a distinct premium feel and the G Pro 3.0 Brown delivering a more clear and resonant sound profile. However, if you are looking to use RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is especially useful due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both the Blue Lotus and the G Pro 3.0 Brown benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, eliciting a satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
Considering the impact on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing, whether it be nylon for both switches, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Blue Lotus and the G Pro 3.0 Brown would provide similar results in this aspect. Conversely, the top housing, be it the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus or the polycarbonate of the G Pro 3.0 Brown, affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the two switches may depend on personal preferences regarding the feel and sound during key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the sensitivity and responsiveness of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight distinction between the two switches. The Durock Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, which has a bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to fully press down.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may appreciate switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces, as this allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, could be a suitable option for individuals seeking a lighter typing experience.
On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel, desiring a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the Durock Blue Lotus could be a better choice due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. This additional force requirement can provide a tactile feedback that some typists find satisfying and helps prevent accidental keystrokes.
Ultimately, whether one prefers the Durock Blue Lotus or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer relatively similar actuation forces but differ slightly in bottom out force, allowing individuals to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. The Blue Lotus falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. With its shorter travel distance, it allows for quick keystrokes and increased speed. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. The longer travel distance can provide a sense of depth and solidity. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and typing style.
Sound tests
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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.
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Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are best described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are accented, which means they provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, these switches are snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs. They are also described as stepped switches, meaning they provide some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a mild sensation compared to hypertactile switches.
On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing feel. They provide a gentle resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. These switches are also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Blue Lotus switches, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are also stepped, providing a mild sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches have some similarities in terms of feel, as both are described as stepped switches with a mild sensation. However, the Blue Lotus switches are characterized by their accented tactility and snappiness, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are known for their easy-to-press nature and low-impact typing feel. The sound characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are unknown, but both switches offer the added visual appeal of RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Try switches before you buy them
We understand that finding the perfect keyboard switches can be a challenging and time-consuming process. This led us to design Milktooth's try at-home program that allows you to sample and test different switches in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you make the right choice for your typing preferences.
You can try 10 switches at home for 5 days, and your switches come pre-installed on switch testers. Of course, you’re more than free to install them into your own board to try as well for the most representative typing experience.
Gone are the days of going through countless forums and reviews to find the ideal switches. Now, you can experience the tactile feedback, actuation points, and sound profiles firsthand, empowering you to make an informed decision without any pressure or time constraints.
We understand the importance of finding the perfect typing experience, and our try at-home program eliminates the risk of making a costly mistake. Experiment with different switch variants, test them in various typing scenarios, and fine-tune your keyboard to match your individual preferences.
The try at-home program costs only $10, which includes shipping both ways. By trying before you buy, you can make the most informed purchasing decision possible. Simply click the "try at home" button on any given switch webpage to get started.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with intense tactility and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these medium-heavy switches deliver a marked tactile feel that is accentuated by their slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches also come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB illumination that adds visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactile sensation that won't overpower your typing flow, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches would be perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, these medium switches offer an economical solution without compromising on quality. Enjoy an easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The frosted light diffuser ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, enhancing the overall visual experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Lotus and G Pro 3.0 Brown switches depends on your preference for intensity of tactility and typing experience.
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