Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Iron stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum satisfaction. With a 55g actuation weight and a unique light column feature, this switch offers a polished and buttery typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Iron is known for its distinctive clacky sound signature that adds an extra auditory element to typing. Its light actuation and buttery smooth travel make it a favorite among enthusiasts and daily users alike. While the Black Lotus is categorized as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, and the Iron as easy to press, clacky, mild, and neutral, both switches have their unique advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Iron switches offer different characteristics to the typing experience. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, while the Iron's POM top housing creates a pleasing and deeper sound profile. In terms of bottom housing, the Black Lotus's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the Iron's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, complementing the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Black Lotus and TTC Iron switches vary in material, they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings offer distinct impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing's qualities are more prominent when letting go of a key, affecting the sound produced.
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Iron switches, it is evident that both provide a premium typing experience. The Black Lotus's blend of modified PC & UPE in the top housing offers a unique feel, while the Iron's POM top housing creates a deep and pleasing sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus and POM bottom housing of the Iron both contribute to a fuller and more muted sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Overall, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is evident that they have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Iron's lighter actuation force of 41 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, while the Iron only needs 50 grams. These differences indicate that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Iron switch offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter weight for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Black Lotus offers a slightly longer keypress travel, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for some users. On the other hand, the Iron switch's slightly shorter travel distance might be preferred by those seeking quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, offering a balance between depth and speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and response time.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 is known for its neutral sound profile, which is suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch offers a distinctive clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky and buttery smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. It also falls within the mild category, offering a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the TTC Iron switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, it falls into the mild category, providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Iron switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a pleasant typing experience for users. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with a neutral sound profile, while the TTC Iron stands out with its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press actuation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the TTC Iron linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a unique light column, then the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light bottom out force and a pronounced clacky sound signature paired with buttery smooth travel for swift typing sessions, then the TTC Iron may be more suited to your typing needs. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider how you typically use your keyboard and what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Iron will depend on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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