Durock Blue Lotus vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Zuoce Lavender, a linear switch, it is evident that they each offer unique features that cater to specific preferences. The Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel while also being visually appealing with its detachable light column for RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Lavender impresses with its exceptional smoothness and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying keystroke experience right out of the box. While the Blue Lotus is 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Snappy', and 'Stepped', the Lavender is 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Zuoce Lavender both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel and likely results in a crisp and satisfying sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM top housing is said to create a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different typing experience compared to the Blue Lotus.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This likely creates a more rounded and duller sound compared to the Lavender's POM bottom housing. Both housing materials bring their own unique qualities to the switches, influencing the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Zuoce Lavender differ in material, they each play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in materials, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is heavier than the Lavender. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of keypress feel. On the other hand, the Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as medium-light. The difference in weight between the two switches can affect typing experience and preference. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lavender for extended typing sessions, while others might prefer the heavier push feel of the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lavender has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. A difference of 0.3 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. The Blue Lotus will provide a slightly deeper keypress, ideal for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lavender offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 switch provides a bassy sound profile with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, enhancing each keystroke with a crisp note. The choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on personal preference for sound qualities, with the Blue Lotus offering a bassier sound and the Lavender providing a brighter and more percussive tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, while also providing a responsive typing experience with a feeling of two stages during the keystroke. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Depending on whether a user prefers a more tactile typing experience or a smoother, easier key press, the choice between the Blue Lotus and Lavender switches will vary.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switch delivers a tactile and snappy typing experience with a bassy sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy marked tactile feedback and a deeper tone. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers exceptional smoothness and a clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with minimal force required for key presses. Both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If a user is unsure which switch to choose, they can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from either switch based on their described characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile switch with a slightly reduced travel distance for a snappy feel, then the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a smooth, clacky switch right out of the box, then the Lavender may be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for key feel and sound profile.
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