KTT Ash Gray vs. Durock Blue Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Blue Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Blue Lotus. These tactile switches offer unique features and advantages that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray is known for its subtle yet satisfying tactile response, providing a delicate touch with a crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus offers a more intense tactile feel, with its snappy responsiveness and slightly reduced travel distance. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switch also boasts a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding visual appeal to its outstanding performance. However, beyond these general characteristics, let's delve deeper to help you make the best switch choice for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Blue Lotus share similar housing materials in their nylon bottoms. Both switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Whether you choose the Ash Gray or the Blue Lotus, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While the nylon bottom housings are the same between the two switches, their top housings differ. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials brings a distinct character to the switch, although specific details about its impact on sound and feel are not provided. So, if you prefer a switch with a sharp and clear sound, the Ash Gray may be the better choice, while the Blue Lotus may appeal to those seeking a premium feel without specific sound preferences.
In terms of the overall switch experience, the impact of the housing materials varies depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing, shared by both switches, contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during this action. Conversely, when you let go of a key, the top housing plays a more significant role in determining the resulting sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray and the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Blue Lotus will impart their unique characteristics to the sound during key release. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Blue Lotus' 55 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke for those seeking a lighter touch. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is 53 grams, while the Blue Lotus requires a heavier 65 grams to fully press down. This means that typing on the Ash Gray will provide a medium-light typing experience, allowing for prolonged periods of comfortable typing. In contrast, the Blue Lotus offers a medium-heavy feel, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile response. By understanding these differences in actuation and bottom out forces, individuals can choose the switch option that best suits their typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch have different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard community. These shorter distances are preferred by gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ash Gray with its 3.5 mm travel distance might be the better choice for you. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In this case, the Blue Lotus, with its slightly longer 3.7 mm travel distance, may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how you like the feel of pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and settings. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. 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 chosen.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press and mild. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, these switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the typing experience. The Durock Blue Lotus switch, on the other hand, is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. It provides a medium amount of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle. The snappiness of the switch is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, resulting in a more lively typing experience. Additionally, the stepped design of the switch allows for the feeling of some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, providing a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. It has a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press, mild feel that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switch delivers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. It has a bassy sound profile and an accented, snappy, stepped feel that provides a medium amount of tactility without being too subtle or too intense. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and the choice between them would depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel. However, note that achieving similar results in sound and feel may be possible by pairing the switches with the appropriate keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming but far from unnoticed. It is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. It provides a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. The sound profile of the Ash Gray is neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is the one to go for. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it delivers a striking blend of tactile intensity. The slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm adds to its snappiness, providing a more alive typing experience. The Blue Lotus also offers a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. The sound profile of the Blue Lotus is bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Blue Lotus will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a lighter touch, easy-to-press feel, and a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray is a great option. If you prefer a more marked tactile feel, swift responsiveness, and a bassy sound profile, the Blue Lotus is the way to go. Consider your typing style, work environment, and aesthetic preferences when making your decision.
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