Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Lunar Probe

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Lunar Probe, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are praised for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, offering users a satisfying keypress experience with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. These switches also come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, making them not only performance-focused but visually appealing as well. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches are known for their dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. These switches provide an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, along with a subtle sound signature. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may fit different user preferences - from the tactile and snappy feel of the Blue Lotus to the smooth and consistent linear action of the Lunar Probe. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Lunar Probe both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium and unique feel, while the Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both materials are known for their stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Lunar Probe allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Lotus and the Lunar Probe use nylon, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, which enhances the typing experience for users of both switches. This shared characteristic between the two switches highlights the importance of the bottom housing material in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switches, making for a satisfying typing experience.

While the top and bottom housings of the Blue Lotus and the Lunar Probe differ in material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom, affecting the sound and feel when pressing down and letting go of a key. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.

Weight

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch. The Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Lunar Probe only needs 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter switch. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lunar Probe, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Blue Lotus. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular in the keyboard market. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke might opt for the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch remains unknown at this time. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is praised for its accented and snappy tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering. The switch also provides a stepped feel, which adds to the typing experience by giving a sense of subtle distinction between key presses. In comparison, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch's tactile feel remains undisclosed, so it is difficult to determine how it would stack up against the defining qualities of the Blue Lotus.

In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Lunar Probe switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus excels in providing a deep, bassy sound profile and a tactile experience that is both accented and snappy. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe focuses on stability and smooth linear keypresses, with its sound profile remaining a mystery. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene may find that one switch suits their needs better than the other. While the specific qualities of the Lunar Probe switch are still unknown, it is likely that users seeking a smooth linear switch with stable keypresses may find it to be a suitable option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback and a unique visual appeal, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force and a distinctive tactile feel, these switches are ideal for those who prefer a more prominent typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy smooth, linear keypresses, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches would be a better choice. With Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism providing stability and consistency, combined with a pre-lubed linear sensation, the Lunar Probe switches offer a different typing experience compared to the Blue Lotus switches. Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Lotus and Lunar Probe switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and bottom out force, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more