Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Matcha

Overview

The Durock Black Lotus and KTT Matcha are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and distinct features. The Black Lotus, a linear switch, is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a favorite among typists. It reduces housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With its 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantiality and ease of use. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique removable light column that provides in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, stands out with its comfortable and snappy tactility. Typing on these switches offers a distinct clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. The Matcha switches are known for their stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle attributes. While these general pointers help differentiate the switches, diving deeper into their features and performance will assist you in making an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Matcha switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both materials offer different aesthetics as well, with the translucent polycarbonate being particularly useful for RGB lighting. However, while the Black Lotus's bottom housing is made of nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Matcha uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, offering a sharper and more resonant sound.

In terms of the sound profile, the Black Lotus switch provides a unique and premium feel, thanks to its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. The combination of these materials results in a switch that offers a clear and resonant sound when the key is released, making it ideal for those who prefer a distinct sound experience. On the other hand, the Matcha switch's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile, which is particularly noticeable when typing and releasing keys. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to this sound profile, providing a more clear and resonant tone overall.

The housing materials of the bottom section also play a significant role in the overall sound experience. The Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This translates to a duller and rounder sound profile when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha switch enhances the sharper and crisper sound profile, amplifying the overall impact when bottoming out. The different bottom housing materials of both switches allow for a varied sound experience, catering to individual preferences when it comes to typing and the resulting auditory feedback.

In summary, the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Matcha switches offer distinct characteristics and contribute to different sound profiles. The Black Lotus showcases a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a unique and premium feel with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Matcha employs a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. However, both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, allowing for a similar clear and resonant sound when keys are released. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for the overall feel and sound profile desired during typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Matcha only needs 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Matcha lighter in terms of actuation force. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams of force to fully press down, while the Matcha only needs 45 grams. This makes the Matcha overall lighter in terms of bottom out force as well.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Black Lotus switch with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force.

Overall, while the Black Lotus switch offers a heavier typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Matcha switch provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience. However, it's important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in the choice between these switches, and those who prefer heavier or lighter options will find the appropriate fit in either switch.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This uniformity ensures that the typing experience will be similar with both switches. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Matcha, you can expect to have a consistent and comfortable key press with a 4mm travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch is not explicitly described, so we cannot provide a detailed analysis. However, based on the information provided, we can expect the Black Lotus to have a relatively quiet sound profile, as it is described as having reduced housing and stem wobble, which often contributes to a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This indicates that the Matcha switch will have a more pronounced and crisp sound compared to the Black Lotus. It's worth noting that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as "silky," "buttery," "mild," and "polished." These descriptors suggest that the Black Lotus provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish. The Black Lotus switch offers a safe and approachable middle-ground feel that most users will find comfortable. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as "stepped," "snappy," "accented," "feathery," and "subtle." These descriptors indicate that the Matcha switch offers a tactile typing experience with two stages of tactility, responsiveness, a medium amount of tactility, a light actuation force, and a gentle resistance. The Matcha switch provides a more dynamic and tactile experience compared to the Black Lotus.

Considering the available information, the Black Lotus switch seems to prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience with a focus on reduced wobble and smooth key travel. It offers a moderately weighted actuation force and a sound profile that is likely to be quiet. On the other hand, the Matcha switch emphasizes a tactile typing experience with snappy feedback and clean bottom-out sound. It features a lighter actuation force and a more pronounced sound profile. While both switches offer unique qualities, the Black Lotus is tailored towards those seeking a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Matcha is more suitable for those who prefer a tactile and responsive feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, the Durock Black Lotus would be a great choice for you. It offers unparalleled precision and reduces housing and stem wobble, providing maximum typing pleasure. The unique light column also adds a visually appealing element to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a comfortable and snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha is the switch for you. Its bottom out force is lighter compared to the Black Lotus, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Matcha produces a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of force, feel, and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more