Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Bluish White
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Bluish White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Bluish White. These switches provide distinct typing experiences and offer unique features to enhance your keyboarding pleasure. The Black Lotus boasts a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, thanks to reduced housing and stem wobble. With a substantial 55g actuation weight, it strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Plus, its unique fully removable light column adds a touch of customization with in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Bluish White tactile switches are designed to give you an incredibly satisfying and poppy typing experience. They offer a snappy sound profile, ensuring that each keystroke is accompanied by a delightful click. Classified as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', these switches deliver a tactile sensation that is both distinct and refined. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Bluish White switches exhibit both similarities and differences. Both switches feature a modified PC blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This material is likely to deliver a clear and resonant sound profile when typing due to its relatively stiff nature. Similarly, the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Bluish White switch offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a sharper typing experience. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting, enhancing the switch's visual appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Therefore, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings in both the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Bluish White switches will provide a similar experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, it's important to note that the bottom housing's material primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction suggests that there might be slight differences in the overall sound profile and typing experience between the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Bluish White switches due to their different top housing materials.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Bluish White switches feature nylon bottom housings, their top housing materials differ. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend, providing a unique and premium feel, while the Bluish White utilizes polycarbonate, which offers a crisper sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. Nevertheless, both switches are likely to offer a similarly deep and full sound due to the nylon material used in their bottom housings. Ultimately, personal preference for the specific qualities associated with each housing material will determine which switch is preferred.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, there are noticeable differences that cater to different preferences. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the Bluish White requires a lighter 42 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Black Lotus offers a slightly heavier push feel during typing compared to the Bluish White. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Black Lotus is 63.5 grams, while the Bluish White measures 50 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Bluish White offers a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide distinct options for individuals seeking either a medium-heavy feel with the Black Lotus or a lighter touch with the Bluish White.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. While 4.0mm is the more common choice for a travel distance, the demand for shorter distances has been increasing, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bluish White switch's shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black 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 Black Lotus for $4.57.
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 Black Lotus linear switch is not specifically described in the given information. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Considering the smooth and refined nature of the Black Lotus, it is likely that it produces a relatively quiet and low-pitched sound profile, similar to other linear switches. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is described as having a snappy sound profile. This implies that the switch produces a sharper and more distinct sound compared to the Black Lotus. However, the sound produced by the Bluish Whites can still be influenced by other factors.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch share several qualities. Both switches are described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They also fall under the category of "mild" switches, meaning they provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This smoothness enhances the overall typing feel, reduces resistance, and contributes to an effortless and uniform typing sensation. However, the Black Lotus is specifically described as "silky" and "polished," implying an even greater level of smoothness and refinement in its typing experience compared to the Bluish White.
In conclusion, while specific information about the sound characteristics of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is not provided, it can be assumed that it produces a quiet and low-pitched sound profile based on its smooth and refined nature. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its snappy sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, with the Black Lotus potentially offering an even more silky and refined feel. Overall, both switches promise an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, but with some variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you prefer a heavier switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Black Lotus is the way to go. Its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, along with reduced housing and stem wobble, provide a maximum typing pleasure. The 55g actuation weight of the Black Lotus offers a substantial, yet not too hefty experience. Additionally, the unique light column adds in-switch lighting that is fully removable.
On the other hand, if you desire a lighter switch, the Bluish White with a bottom out force of 50 grams is a great choice. It is best known for delivering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. The Bluish White offers a mild and approachable typing experience, making it suitable for most users. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus does not have specific descriptors provided, while the Bluish White is low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, both switches share some similarities. They are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They are also both polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Black Lotus is additionally described as silky and mild, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and offering a safe, middle-ground experience. The Bluish White, on the other hand, is also described as stepped and subtle, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It offers a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavy linear switch with a smooth feel and high precision, the Black Lotus is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a satisfying sound and a gentle typing feel, the Bluish White is the better choice. Consider your desired typing experience and choose accordingly.
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