Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, with the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, one can immediately see the differences in their design and overall feel. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precise actuation, with a 55g actuation weight that strikes a perfect balance. On the other hand, the Mallo is known for its subtle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for typists who prefer a gentler typing experience. While the Black Lotus offers in-switch lighting and reduced wobble for maximum typing pleasure, the Mallo boasts a neutral sound signature and a medium-light typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Mallo switches differ slightly in terms of their top housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer different sound characteristics, they both provide a clear and resonant sound profile due to their stiffness, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Both the Black Lotus and the Mallo switches use nylon for their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of' therefore, despite having different top housing materials, both switches may offer a similar experience in terms of typing sensation and sound profile.
When it comes to overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Mallo switches provide unique characteristics. The Black Lotus's combination of a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing creates a premium feel and a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing result in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and a fuller sound experience. While the two switches may have distinct qualities due to their housing materials, they both offer a satisfying typing experience with varying sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we can see that the Black Lotus is heavier in both aspects. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Mallo has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Mallo a lighter option overall. The actuation force of the Black Lotus provides a medium-heavy feel, while the Mallo offers a medium-light typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Mallo would be the better choice. However, if a more substantial, heavier typing experience is preferred, the Black Lotus would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, offering users a familiar typing feel regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a subdued sound signature, producing a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound compared to many other switches. Note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for its silky and buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke with reduced resistance. It also offers a mild and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. Conversely, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a feathery and subtle typing experience, with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, it provides a mild and stepped feel that offers a balanced tactile feedback without being overwhelming.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a silky smooth feel with a unique light column feature, while the Mallo stands out with its subtle tactility and neutral sound signature. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a balanced feel or a tactile switch with a gentle typing experience, both of these switches are excellent choices that can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a silky smooth and medium-heavy typing experience with a subtle in-switch lighting feature, the Black Lotus is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback with a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo is the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth linear switch or a tactile switch with a balanced typing experience. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
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