Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Gold Red. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. These switches excel in reducing housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a substantial 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between being responsive without feeling too hefty. Additionally, the Black Lotus offers a unique light column for in-switch lighting, which can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches from TTC provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They also boast a snappy sound profile, adding a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. While both switches have their strengths, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
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
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 housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Gold Red switches have distinct differences, particularly in their top housings. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend housing, providing it with a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Red switch creates a higher-pitched tone, making it ideal for those seeking a more vibrant auditory experience. If you are someone who appreciates the aesthetics of RGB lighting, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Gold Red switch will provide an added visual appeal.
Both switches share a common housing material for their bottom housings, which is nylon. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a distinct typing experience. The nylon material in both the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Gold Red absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic of nylon brings a softer and more muted typing sound, which can be preferred by those who desire a quieter typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities of the bottom and top housings also play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will primarily feel the impact of the bottom housing, as it influences the switch's bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, releasing a key will produce a sound that is significantly influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the Black Lotus and Gold Red may differ in their housing materials, each housing contributes to different aspects of the typing experience, ultimately providing users with unique and individualized results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Durock Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, which means it requires a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to activate. As for the bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams of force to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience. The Gold Red, on the other hand, has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, like the Gold Red, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This would be particularly beneficial for those using their keyboards for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. Alternatively, some users may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Black Lotus, as it provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, if similar results are desired, opting for the Gold Red switch would provide a lighter and easier keystroke experience compared to the heavier and more substantial keystrokes of the Black Lotus.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4mm of travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing on keyboards that feature these switches.
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 Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch possesses a sound profile that is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. However, considering its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, it is likely to produce a sound that aligns with its sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch is characterized as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This implies that it will produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to high-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These qualities indicate that it offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Moreover, it has a refined finish that provides reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gold Red switch also possesses traits of being mild, silky, subtle, and polished. This suggests that it offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined keystroke feel, while maintaining a light typing feel and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Gold Red switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle level of resistance. While the Black Lotus switch may emphasize a more precise and balanced feel due to its unique features like reduced wobble and in-switch lighting, the Gold Red switch adds a touch of personality with its snappy sound profile. However, since the sound and feel of switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, it is important to consider these variables to ensure the desired outcome. Ultimately, whether using the Black Lotus or Gold Red switch, users can expect a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus is a great choice. These switches offer a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a substantial actuation weight of 55 grams, they provide a satisfying typing experience without being overly heavy. The unique light column of the Black Lotus adds in-switch lighting and can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are ideal. These switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus is neutral, while the Gold Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, while the Gold Red provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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