Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Honey

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Honey are two popular options worth considering. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a favorite among typists. With reduced housing and stem wobble, this linear switch ensures maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and manageable. One notable feature of the Black Lotus is its unique light column, providing in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, the TTC Honey offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. With a range of descriptors such as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, the Honey switch offers a distinct tactile sensation that many users find enjoyable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can confidently choose the best switch to enhance your typing experience.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

TTC Honey Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Honey switches have some similarities and differences. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Honey switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, both housing materials offer benefits for RGB lighting due to their translucency, making them ideal choices for those seeking illuminated setups.

Furthermore, the bottom housing materials also differ between the two switches. The Black Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Honey switch opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate.

It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of each switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. Overall, while the Black Lotus and Honey switches differ in their specific housing materials, both can provide satisfying results, depending on the desired sound profile and typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Honey's 42 grams. This means that it requires more force to trigger a keystroke on the Black Lotus switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus also has a higher measurement at 63.5 grams compared to the Honey's 50 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus switch provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires more force to fully press down. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces.

Considering weight, choosing a lighter switch like the Honey can be beneficial for individuals who prefer typing for longer periods of time. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and more effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for tasks such as typing at work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Black Lotus switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be the preferred choice. These heavier forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback and require a bit more effort, enhancing the overall typing experience. In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Black Lotus and Honey linear switches differ, both options cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience accordingly.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we can see that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Honey has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Black Lotus falls under the category of a more traditional travel distance at 4.0mm, while the Honey offers a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.8mm.

It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you are looking for a switch that is more responsive, the Honey with its shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, lacking the desired depth. For those who prefer a more hearty and tactile experience, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a comparable experience in terms of travel distance, resulting in similar overall results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch has not been specifically described. However, based on its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, it is likely to produce a relatively subdued sound when pressed. This means that it will not be completely silent, but it will offer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Honey switch is known for having a deep and pleasant sound profile. Its description suggests that it produces a dampened sound, offering a more subdued and gentle typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, when comparing the sound of these switches, it is crucial to consider the entire setup.

When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch offers a range of qualities. It is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. A silky switch refers to a switch that provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Additionally, a buttery switch ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, adding to the seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic of the Black Lotus switch indicates that it offers a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Lastly, the description of a polished switch suggests that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and pleasant typing experience. This may be due to materials used and/or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Honey switch is known for being creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. A creamy switch offers a silky typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This can be attributed to factory lubrication or specific materials used. A frictionless switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Similar to the Black Lotus switch, the Honey switch is also described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, a subtle Honey switch offers a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, with a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the polished characteristic of the Honey switch ensures a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, both the Black Lotus and Honey switches offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. They provide smooth and fluid keystrokes, with reduced housing and stem wobble in the case of the Black Lotus switch. Both switches have different sound profiles, with the Black Lotus likely producing a more subdued sound and the Honey offering a deep and pleasant sound. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it is important to note that with similar characteristics such as being silky, buttery, and polished, users can expect comparable results in terms of smoothness and overall typing pleasure.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a substantial actuation weight, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be a great choice. With its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, it offers a typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances smoothness. Additionally, its unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a suitable option. Known for its smooth and creamy typing feel, this switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile. Its subdued sound signature makes it ideal for shared spaces. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Honey switches will depend on your preference for weight, smoothness, and sound. Both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more