Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Laurel offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is lauded for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, this switch delivers maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a substantial balance, offering a satisfying tactile experience without being too hefty. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a unique removable light column that provides in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. Its full POM housing and short travel make typing a breeze, while the long pole design adds to its overall durability. Notably, the Laurel presents a subtly low-pitched sound profile, contributing to a more pleasant typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and KTT Laurel differ in their housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials produces a distinct typing experience with a pleasing sound profile. On the other hand, the Laurel utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound, albeit on the deeper and more muted side. While both switches provide a satisfying sound, the Black Lotus may offer a slightly brighter and more distinct tone upon key release due to its modified PC and UPE Blend material.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Black Lotus and Laurel once again differ. The Black Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer properties of nylon allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. On the contrary, the Laurel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also creates a pleasing and unique sound, albeit on the deeper side and relatively more muted. The POM material in the Laurel's bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile, offering a distinct typing experience that is slightly different from the Black Lotus.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housings in producing the desired sound and feel. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when a key is released. Consequently, whether opting for the Durock Black Lotus or the KTT Laurel, users can expect a tactile and satisfying typing experience with the potential for similar sound profiles, albeit with slight variations depending on the chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force, requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Black Lotus will provide a slightly stronger push feel when typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus again requires more force, with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Laurel's 50 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus will result in a more substantial typing experience overall. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch, the Laurel would be the better choice as it provides a lighter actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a tactile experience when pressing down on a key, but the Black Lotus provides a slightly longer travel distance. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Black Lotus is more in line with traditional switches, offering a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Laurel is slightly shorter, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker typing experience, the Laurel might be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance may be the more suitable choice. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and whether one prioritizes 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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, based on its silky smooth feel and reduced housing and stem wobble, it is likely that the Black Lotus switch offers a quieter and more stable sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as having a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that the Laurel switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Black Lotus switch provides an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. Furthermore, it offers a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The switch's reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to its polished sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy. This suggests that the Laurel switch is super responsive and provides a lively typing experience, possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and polished typing experience. Although the sound profile is not explicitly mentioned, it is likely to be quiet and stable. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a subtly low-pitched sound profile and snappy, lively typing feel. While these switches have different characteristics, both provide positive subjective qualities for typing enthusiasts. Depending on personal preference, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
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 would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer maximum typing pleasure with reduced housing and stem wobble. The unique light column provides in-switch lighting, and the 55g actuation weight is substantial without being too hefty. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel would suit your needs. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel provides a medium-light linear typing experience. The Laurel also offers a low-pitched sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Conversely, the Laurel is described as snappy, offering a super responsive and lively typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Laurel depends on your preference for switch weight, typing experience, and sound profile.
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