KTT Ash Gray vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can make a world of difference in your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock White Lotus, both known for their tactile feedback. The Ash Gray switch offers a tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between being substantial yet unobtrusive. With a light touch and crisp actuation, it delivers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without overwhelming your fingertips. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, its removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 White Lotus differ in their choice of materials for both the top and bottom housing. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a more resonant sound to be produced. Additionally, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives the switch a unique and premium feel. While it is not explicitly mentioned, it can be inferred that the White Lotus's top housing may also have an impact on the sound profile, albeit with different characteristics compared to the Ash Gray.
Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing material. This common material choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to the relatively softer nature of the nylon plastic. This material has the ability to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, whether one chooses the KTT Ash Gray or the Durock White Lotus, they can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials in a switch can have a significant impact on the overall sound profile. While the Ash Gray and the White Lotus may differ in their top housing materials, which may influence the sound when the key is released, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, the difference in top housing materials may be negligible in terms of typing experience. Both switches provide their unique qualities and offer a range of options for individuals seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches fall within the medium-light category, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Ash Gray switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the White Lotus switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. Therefore, the White Lotus switch requires a slightly heavier force for both actuation and bottoming out.
For those who enjoy extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Ash Gray switch may be more appealing, as it allows for less fatigue over time. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may prefer the slightly heavier forces of the White Lotus switch. Despite these differences, both switches offer a similar medium-light typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve their desired level of comfort and satisfaction while typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Ash Gray with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a deeper sensation when pressing a key, the White Lotus with its longer travel distance would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize quick responses or a more substantial keystroke experience.
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 White 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 White 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
When it comes to sound, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock White Lotus switches have a similar profile. The Ash Gray is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound level and is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using the switch at home or work. The White Lotus, on the other hand, has a low-pitched sound profile, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, both switches offer a moderate sound profile that is not too loud or obtrusive, making them suitable for a variety of environments.
In terms of feel, both the Ash Gray and White Lotus switches offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. The light actuation force required to activate these switches makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, both switches are described as having a mild typing experience, meaning they offer a gentle and approachable feel that will be comfortable for most users. The White Lotus switch also has the added characteristic of being subtle, which means it has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and Durock White Lotus switches share similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, with the White Lotus having a slightly lower pitch. Both switches offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. They also provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. With these similarities, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch. However, 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 used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. Both switches have a bottom out force of medium-light, with the Ash Gray at 53 grams and the White Lotus at 56 grams.
The Ash Gray switch is designed to deliver a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, providing a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but far from unnoticed "sandy" sensation. In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner, advanced, or using it at home or work.
On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is an exquisite light tactile option designed with the discerning typist in mind. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. The White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. In terms of sound, the White Lotus switch is described as low-pitched and neutral, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, both switches offer easy-to-press keys that require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. The Ash Gray switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. The White Lotus switch, in addition to being easy-to-press and mild, is also described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock White Lotus switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a switch with a delicate tactility, the ability to customize RGB lighting effects, and a low-pitched sound profile, the White Lotus switch may be more suited to your needs. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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