Durock Blue Lotus vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Snow. The Blue Lotus from Durock is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying blend of tactile intensity and quick responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance compared to standard switches, the Blue Lotus provides a crisp tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback while typing. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a fun, glowing element to the keyboard. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow is a linear switch known for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. This smooth linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched typing experience that is bouncy and responsive. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Snow switches feature nylon bottom housings, which both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
In contrast, the Durock Blue Lotus utilizes a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, while the Dareu Snow features a POK top housing. The Blue Lotus's top housing is described as providing a unique and premium feel, while the Snow's POK material is praised for its smoothness and durability. The POK material has a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY, making it one of the smoothest materials available. Additionally, the POK material boasts exceptional strength and wear resistance, surpassing even Nylon and POM in shock resistance. Overall, the differences in top housing material suggest that users may experience variations in the feel and durability of the switches.
Overall, while both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Durock Blue Lotus emphasizes a unique and premium feel with its Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, while the Dareu Snow focuses on smoothness and durability with its POK material. Depending on user preferences for typing feel and durability, individuals may lean towards one switch over the other based on the characteristics of their respective housing materials. Regardless of these differences, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams while the Snow needs 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Snow switch may be the better option due to its slightly lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus provides a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing force and the overall typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Blue Lotus has a longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. A longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress for some users who prefer a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Snow switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prefer a more responsive keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 offers a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is known for its thocky sound, producing a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. Additionally, the Snow switch has a low-pitched sound, contributing to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound quality of both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is noticeable but not overwhelming. The switch is also described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience due to its design with longer or dual-staged springs. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is said to be bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Snow switch offers a unique typing experience with its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus and Dareu Snow switches offer distinctive sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus provides a tactile and snappy typing experience with a bassy sound profile, while the Snow offers a smooth linear feel with a thocky sound and bouncy feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as considerations like aesthetics and compatibility with other components of a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a marked tactile feel and snappy responsiveness, the Blue Lotus might be the better option for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force and slightly reduced travel distance make it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and a neutral feel, the Snow switch could be the perfect fit for you. Its medium bottom out force and the innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem provide a unique typing experience. Consider what sound and feel you prefer in a switch, as well as your bottom out force preference, when making your decision between these two switches.
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