Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, offering a typing experience free from housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and manageable, it provides a satisfying keypress without being too hefty. Additionally, the unique removable light column adds a visually appealing in-switch lighting feature. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Browns are known for their balanced nature. These switches feature a slight, satisfying bump when actuated, providing tactile feedback for precise typing. They also have a moderate weightiness to them, giving a sense of substance while typing. Furthermore, the Gold Browns offer a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Durock Black Lotus and TTC Gold Brown exhibit some similarities in their housing materials, but they also have key differences that affect their overall performance. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This is due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a rounder and duller tone. As a result, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches, especially in terms of sound.
However, the top housings of these switches set them apart. The Black Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. While the exact qualities of this blend are not specified, it can be inferred that this top housing material offers a distinct tactile experience that enhances user satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its clear and resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate is stiffer compared to other plastics, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects.
Overall, while both switches provide a deep and full sound thanks to their nylon bottom housings, the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Gold Brown differ in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus offers a premium and unique tactile experience with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Gold Brown delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Despite these differences, users can expect satisfying typing experiences from both switches, each with their own distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Gold Brown share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound while typing. However, their top housings set them apart, with the Black Lotus featuring a modified PC and UPE blend top housing that offers a premium feel, and the Gold Brown employing a polycarbonate top housing for a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. These differences add unique characteristics to each switch, catering to different user preferences and creating a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is clear that they both have the same actuation force of 55 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. As for the bottom out force, the Black Lotus is slightly heavier with 63.5 grams, while the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams. Despite this slight difference, both switches can be considered medium in terms of bottom out force.
Weight plays a significant role in keyboard preference as it affects the typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Gold Brown or the Black Lotus, as they allow for longer typing periods, making them ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and forceful typing experience may lean towards options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In this case, the Black Lotus would be the better choice due to its slightly higher bottom out force.
Overall, while the actuation forces are the same for both switches, the Black Lotus offers a heavier bottom out force compared to the Gold Brown. However, for those seeking a similar typing experience, both switches will provide comparable results. It ultimately comes down to individual preference and the desired level of tactile feedback and typing force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is the same, ensuring you will get similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing or gaming.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, the Black Lotus switch has no specific descriptor provided, so the exact sound profile is unknown. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is described as having a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch offers a silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate that it provides an exceptionally smooth and refined feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Brown switch, on the other hand, offers a milder and buttery typing experience. It is also described as accented, meaning it provides a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Like the Black Lotus, the Gold Brown switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer positive subjective qualities. The Black Lotus excels in providing a silky smooth typing feel with unparalleled precision, while the Gold Brown offers a balanced typing experience with a pleasing bump and moderate weightiness. Although the specific sound profiles of these switches are not given, it can be expected that they both produce relatively softer and more rounded sounds compared to most switches. Overall, both switches seem to offer a high level of typing pleasure, with the Black Lotus showcasing a more refined feel and the Gold Brown offering a balanced and satisfying tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches have a moderate actuation weight of 55g, providing a substantial but not too hefty typing experience. The Black Lotus also features a unique light column for in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great option. These switches offer a rounded, softer sound profile that is generally much quieter than most switches. Both switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making typing seamless and effortless. However, if you are specifically looking for a switch with a more accentuated tactility, the Gold Brown's accented tactile feedback may suit your preferences better. Overall, whether you choose the Durock Black Lotus or the TTC Gold Brown, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with reduced wobble and a refined finish for maximum typing pleasure.
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